Celebrating AAC Awareness Month
Every October, we celebrate AAC Awareness Month, which stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication for anyone who doesn’t speak fluent acronym. It’s all about making sure people who can’t rely on speech still get to take the mick, tell jokes, and order a Greggs Steak Bake.
For most of my life, I used a posh computer voice. The kind of voice that sounded like it did its shopping at Waitrose and had a second home in Surrey. People said I sounded like I was Prince William's distant cousin, which, as someone from Newcastle, was not the vibe I was going for.
So when I finally got a Geordie voice, it felt like more than a software update. It felt like I was finally being heard as me.
What AAC Really Means
AAC isn’t just about fancy gadgets or speech apps. It’s about connection, belonging, and identity. It’s about being able to tell your mates they’re daft, make a joke, or say “I love you” and actually say it from the heart.
For me, AAC is how I do my job. It’s how I tell jokes on stage, chat up girls, and order a takeaway after a gig (usually in that order!) Without AAC, I’d be stuck in silence. With it, I can make an audience laugh until they cry.
That’s why AAC Awareness Month matters. There are still thousands of people who could benefit from AAC but don’t have access to the right tools or support. And even when they do, too many people still assume that using a device means you can’t communicate naturally.
Here’s the truth: AAC isn’t a limitation. It’s liberation. It gives people the right to have opinions, arguments, and terrible puns.
My Voice, My Identity
Getting my new Geordie voice has been emotional. For years, people laughed at the contrast between my robotic voice and my Geordie humour. Now they hear my accent and get the full picture, sarcasm and warmth included.
For most people, your voice is part of who you are. It tells people where you’re from, what you care about, and probably which football team has ruined your weekend. So when I finally heard my own jokes in a proper North East accent, it didn’t just sound right, it felt right.
AAC isn’t just about being able to speak. It’s about being able to be yourself.
How You Can Help AAC Users
If you want to support AAC users this month and every month, here are a few simple things you can do that make a massive difference:
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Be patient. Conversations might take longer, but they’re worth it.
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Don’t talk over someone using AAC. Wait for their response. Communication isn’t a race.
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Acknowledge the person, not the device. Talk to the user, not their carer or their iPad.
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Learn a bit about AAC. Even knowing a few basics can help you understand how people communicate differently.
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Support funding and access. Campaign for improved access to AAC tools in schools, hospitals, and communities.
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Include AAC users in everything. From classrooms to comedy clubs, because we’ve got plenty to say.
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Listen with intent. Whether it’s through a device, gestures, or eye gaze, the most essential part of communication isn’t the voice. It’s the listener.
AAC Awareness Month reminds us that everyone deserves to be heard.
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Sale!
SALE! Original black Lost Voice Guy Left Me Speechless t-shirt
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Signed copy of ‘I’m Only In It For The Parking’ book
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Cerebral LOLsy (2022 UK tour show) – download
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I’m Only In It For The Parking (2019 tour) – DVD or download
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‘You have taken my parking space’ postcard
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Had a lush night at @xsmalarkey on Tuesday!
After seeing the legend that is Bernard, I'm starting a petition to make dogs mandatory in every comedy green room.
Forget the rider. I don't need fancy water or exotic snacks. Just put a friendly dog in every green room and Read moreI'm happy.
Who's signing my petition?
#Comedy #DogLover #Backstage #BritishComedy #Dogs
There's no such thing as a stupid question. If people don't ask, they'll never know.
So here's my answer to a question I got asked recently: "Does cerebral palsy get worse as you get older?"
If you've got another question you've always Read morewondered about, drop it in the comments. It could be the next video.
#AskMeAnything #CerebralPalsy #DisabilityAwareness #Accessibility #Comedy
It's official... tickets are now on sale! 🎉
I'm so excited to finally be heading back on tour with my brand new show, The Cerebral Palsy Puppet.
It's been five years since my last UK tour, and I can't wait to get back on stage and see so many familiar (and Read morehopefully a few new) faces along the way.
If I'm coming to a theatre near you, I'd love to see you there.
🎟️ Book your tickets now via the link in the bio.
#StandUpComedy #LiveComedy #ComedyTour #Disability #WhatsOn
@gagreflexmanagement
@deiversitytalentmanagement
@ecn_talent
@ingeniousfools
I'm so excited to finally be able to say this...
The Cerebral Palsy Puppet is heading out on tour in Spring 2027.
It's been five years since my last UK tour, and I can't wait to get back on stage with a brand new show. This is probably my most personal show yet, butRead more don't worry, it's still packed with the jokes, stories and questionable life choices you'd expect from me.
If I'm coming to a theatre near you, I'd love to see you there. Some venues are quite intimate, so if you'd like to come along, I'd recommend booking sooner rather than later.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale from Friday 2 October at 10am via the link in the bio.
Photographer credit @ullathorne
Being able to walk a few steps shouldn’t mean you’re denied the powered wheelchair you clinically need.
Lucy from Lulabelle’s Chronic Journey has launched a Parliamentary petition calling for NHS powered wheelchair provision to be based on clinical need, safety and independence, not Read moresimply whether someone can stand or walk.
She also wants to hear from other wheelchair users who have faced similar barriers.
If you agree that clinical need should come before walking ability, please sign and share:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/778791
#ClinicalNeedNotWalkingAbility
@lulabelleschronicals
Disability doesn't define your character. Your attitude does.
Simple as that.
#Disability #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #Inclusion #BeKind
ID: Lee Ridley (Lost Voice Guy) drives a white mobility scooter through a sunny courtyard. Large on-screen text reads: Read more"Some people think being disabled is the worst thing that could happen to them." It then changes to: "Personally, I'd be far more worried about being a complete dickhead."
The people of Piddington have spoken! It's a local village, for local people. There's nothing for you here!
Do you want to buy some pegs?
#Comedy #Satire #LeagueOfGentlemen #DarkHumour #Piddington
I'm heading to Glasgow this weekend for two nights at @gleeclubglasgow
Friday and Saturday, I'll be trying to make people laugh alongside Ray Bradshaw, Mick Ferry and the rest of the brilliant line-up. If you've never seen me live, this is your chance. If you have seen me Read morelive, you've probably forgotten most of it anyway.
What's the most random thing about Glasgow that I need to know before this weekend?
See you there, Glasgow!
#StandUpComedy #Glasgow #BritishComedy #WeekendPlans #LiveComedy
