Ace Centre

Ace Centre is a registered charity (No. 1089313) providing support for people with complex communications difficulties. We offer assessment, training and information services across England, with a focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT), delivered by our multi-disciplinary team of specialist teachers, occupational therapists, speech & language therapists with the support of technical and administrative staff.

We believe everyone should be given the opportunity and the tools they need to fulfil their potential; we therefore lobby for change in statutory policy as well as working directly with people who need our support.

Our Vision

A society where everyone is given the support they need to communicate, be understood and fulfil their potential.

Our Mission

We provide support, advice, technology and training to enable people with complex communication needs to express themselves and meet their full potential.

We believe in:

• Equality: Everyone has the right to communicate.
• The Individual: The individual is at the centre of our services.
• Teamwork: Working with professionals and families to find the best solution.
• Compassion: We treat people we support with care, empathy and understanding.
• Independence: We provide an independent and unbiased service.
• Challenging: We challenge policy makers to ensure adequate provision for people with complex communication needs.

Outcomes

The charity works to change lives, actions and perceptions. When we achieve our vision we will have ensured that:

1. People with severe communication difficulties have the correct technology to enable them to live, work and play as they choose
2. Those supporting people with communication difficulties respect and understand the challenges and the technology and are able to assist effectively
3. The right devices and technology are researched and developed with input from people with communication difficulties in order to meet needs effectively
4. People assisted by communication devices feel confident and valued for their abilities and experience
5. People with communication difficulties, and their supporters, feel secure and confident about getting appropriate communication support and advice when needed

Funding

As a charity, Ace Centre is always concerned to maintain income through multiple sources including commissions, grants and donations. A contract with NHS England funds the delivery of specialised AAC services across the North West and Thames Valley and Wessex NHS regions. Direct work with people who fall outside of the NHS contract criteria, as well as other services such as research and development, training, and advocacy, depend on voluntary contributions.