A Western Australian program that helps children with complex communication needs build confidence and connection is celebrating a major milestone this year. For the past 15 years, Motor Mouth Camp has supported children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to express their needs, thoughts and feelings.
Delivered by Variety — the Children's Charity WA, the three-day inclusive camp brings together children who use AAC devices and other supports, along with their families and specialist volunteers. The demand has grown so much that this year it will hold an additional camp in April, as well as its annual October camp.
Since the camp began, almost 200 WA children and their families have participated, and more than 350 volunteers have contributed over 8,500 hours to help run the program. Participants include Zhiqing, from Bentley, and Keeley Lannon, from Willagee.
Zhiqing uses an AAC device to communicate. Her mother Lizzy said the camp gave her confidence to continue using the device at home. “She had been laughing so loud — and I hadn't heard her laugh that loudly in so long,” she said. Keeley Lannon's mother Lee-Ann said the camp helped her see AAC as Keeley's first language. “Before, I didn't really see it as a second language. But now I understand — it's Keeley's first language, and we're the ones learning it,” she said.
Motor Mouth Camp founder, co-ordinator and speech pathologist Kelly Savage said the camp was created to give children who use AAC and their families an opportunity to connect with others. “Skilled communication partners make all the difference for children who use AAC. That's why Motor Mouth Camp focuses not only on the children, but also on parents and siblings,” she said.
Variety WA CEO Chris Chatterton said the program reflects Variety's mission to ensure every child can participate fully in life. “Communication is fundamental to every child's independence and ability to connect with the world around them. What makes this program so special is that it supports not only the child, but the entire family,” he said.
