Episode 8 – The Power of Communication – Sonia Padmore

In our season finale, we hear from Sonia Padmore, Assistive Technology Support Specialist at Smartbox Assistive Technology.  Sonia’s love of all things communication for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) learners is evident as we discuss the necessity of “giving all children and young people with SEND a voice.”  Sonia explains her love of communication and the opportunities that augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) can bring.  The conversation highlights the right that we all have to communicate and Sonia challenges assumptions that are often made by others, that if you cannot communicate verbally, then the child and/or young person doesn’t have anything to say.  We discuss and challenge how communication in SEND schools can be too linear – choice is key and should be an expectation that is met by all those that educate children and young people with learning difficulties.  Sonia’s passion is undeniable and her drive is impressive – listen and learn!