isaac

What isaac does

Communication Matters (working name of ISAAC (UK)) is a UK-registered charity, founded in 1986 and headquartered at the University of Leeds, that supports people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It does not develop AAC hardware or software itself; instead, it functions as the central convening and advocacy hub for the UK AAC ecosystem, serving three primary constituencies: individuals with little or no clear speech, their families and carers, and AAC professionals (speech and language therapists, teachers, researchers, clinical scientists). Its offerings span the CM Journal (published three times yearly, ~40 pages per issue with ~8 major articles), an annual international AAC Conference (13-15 September 2026 in Leeds, including a 40th anniversary celebratory dinner), regional AAC Information Days, AAC Study Days, Communication Clubs (peer support groups for AAC users aged 14+), Mentoring qualifications (including Level 1 Award in Mentoring), a Research Matters research community, the AAC Awards program (eight categories), a Small Grants program (up to £500), an AAC for All advocacy toolkit, and weekly Friday Announcements plus Research Matters newsletters.

The organization is funded through a hybrid of membership fees (first year free for AAC users and families, with Organizational Membership tiers A/B/C that bundle journal ad space), donations, National Lottery Community Fund grants (funding the Peer Support & Mentoring Project through July 2029), Awards for All Scotland, journal advertising (priced publicly from £83 to £1,610 per placement), and conference revenue (delegate tickets, exhibition space, sponsored places). Its GTM motion is community-led and event-driven: conversion centers on free first-year membership, the annual conference as a primary demand-generation channel, regional Information Days for supplier engagement, and a Google Groups-hosted AAC Forum for peer discussion. Critical strategic assets include 40 years of brand recognition, the ISAAC international affiliation, recurring relationships with key AAC suppliers (Abilia, Acapela, Jabbla, Liberator, Smartbox, Tobii Dynavox), and trust-based standing with UK policymakers via joint advocacy with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Name

isaac

Legal name

Communication Matters (working name of ISAAC (UK))

Website

https://communicationmatters.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Communication Matters (ISAAC UK) is a UK-registered charity that convenes the AAC ecosystem by supporting people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication, their families, and AAC professionals through publications, conferences, peer mentoring, and policy advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Advocacy and AAC Support Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Business Associations (813910), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training (EDAKAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Technology (AT) & AAC Services (EDAJAKAF), Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG)

Keywords

• Augmentative alternative communication
• Disability advocacy services
• Assistive communication support
• Charity membership services
• Conference event publishing

Headquarters

HQ city

Leeds

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Communication Matters generates revenue through membership fees. AAC users and families receive the first year of membership for free. Various membership tiers exist including Organisational Membership with different levels (A, B, C) offering advertising benefits in the CM Journal.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The organization accepts donations and conducts fundraising activities to fund its charitable activities. National Lottery funding supports Communication Clubs and Mentoring qualifications.
3. CM Journal Advertising: The Communication Matters Journal (published three times yearly) generates advertising revenue from AAC suppliers and related organizations. Full Colour Ad Packages rotate through three issues. Block rates for 3 issues available at member and non-member pricing.
4. Conference Revenue: The annual International AAC Conference sells delegate tickets (two-day tickets include celebration dinner), exhibition space, and sponsored places. Abstract submissions drive engagement with 117 submissions received in 2026.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Communication Matters (ISAAC UK) is a registered charity that supports people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It delivers this through a portfolio of membership services, education programs, peer support, publications, advocacy toolkits, and an annual international conference, serving AAC users, families, professionals, and AAC suppliers across the UK.

Product overview

Communication Matters (ISAAC UK) is a charitable organization that does not develop or sell commercial software products. Instead, it provides advocacy, support services, and educational programs for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users. Its offerings include the Communication Matters Journal (a multidisciplinary publication), AAC Information Days (events showcasing AAC suppliers), Communication Clubs (peer support groups), Mentoring Qualifications (education programs for AAC users), Research Matters (research community), AAC Awards (recognition program), the AAC for All Toolkit (advocacy resource), the International AAC Conference (annual event), Small Grants Program (funding up to £500), and Friday Announcements (weekly newsletter).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CM Journal (Communication Matters Journal): A multidisciplinary journal on AAC published three times per year
• Research Matters
• CM AAC Forum
• CM Peer Support & Mentoring Project

Products and services

• Communication Matters Journal A multidisciplinary journal published three times a year, featuring articles by AAC users, parents, teachers, therapists, engineers and researchers. Each issue typically contains eight major articles covering low and hi-tech AAC topics for both children and adults.
• AAC Information Days Regional events designed to help people learn about the wide range of AAC products available, bringing together leading AAC suppliers, local services, and the wider AAC community for learning, exploration, and connection.
• Communication Clubs Peer support groups for AAC users aged 14+ through adults, providing opportunities to connect, practice AAC use, build confidence, and share lived experiences in accessible and safe environments.
• Mentoring Qualifications Qualifications that empower AAC users to become mentors for other young people, including the Level 1 Award in Mentoring and Level 2 Awards in Employability, preparing experienced AAC users to support less experienced users.
• Research Matters A group connecting AAC users, families, professionals and researchers who are interested in conducting or participating in AAC research, meeting online to learn about research and share priorities.
• AAC Awards Annual awards celebrating AAC users, families, teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, clinical scientists and suppliers that make up the AAC community, with categories including Setting of the Year, Access Award, Arts Award, Innovation Award, and Lifetime Achievement.
• AAC for All Toolkit A toolkit designed to support and guide AAC users in contacting MPs and influencing SEND reforms, including guidance on meeting MPs, email templates, and guidance on responding directly to government consultations.
• International AAC Conference An annual international conference celebrating Communication Matters' advocacy and innovation in AAC, featuring platform presentations, workshops, poster exhibitions, and celebratory events. The 2026 conference marks the charity's 40th anniversary.
• Small Grants Programme Grants of up to £500 available to Communication Matters members to support the use of all forms of communication for users, families or professionals, including AAC user events, play equipment, pilot research projects, and course attendance.
• Friday Announcements Weekly email updates keeping subscribers informed of the latest events, news and developments in AAC, including product updates, upcoming courses, and supplier news.

Quantifiable outcome

• 117 abstract submissions received for 2026 conference - record breaking
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AAC Suppliers (Abilia, Acapela Group, Jabbla, Liberator, Smartbox, Tobii Dynavox)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026AAC Information Days bring together leading AAC suppliers for exhibitions and presentations. The Glasgow AAC Information Day on 6 May 2026 featured Abilia, Acapela Group, Jabbla, Liberator, Smartbox, and Tobii Dynavox presenting their products and services.
• AAC Awards 2025 Partners (AssistiveWare, Irwin Mitchell, Liberator Ltd, smartbox, The Harchie Way, Tobii Dynavox, Rehadapt)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate sponsors of the AAC Awards 2025 event, including AssistiveWare, Irwin Mitchell, Liberator Ltd, smartbox, The Harchie Way, Tobii Dynavox, and Rehadapt. These partners help fund the awards ceremony held at the New Dock Hall, Royal Armouries, Leeds.
• Scottish Centre of Technology for the Communication Impaired (SCTCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCTCI is presented at AAC Information Days and represents the local AAC service in Scotland. Partnership supports awareness of Scottish AAC services.
• ATtherapy MentorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATtherapy provides mentoring services where experienced AAC users work with less experienced AAC users. CM Peer Support & Mentoring Project provides funding for mentors to complete the Level 1 Award in Mentoring along with other qualifications.
• The Communication Partnership (Communication Matters, The Communication Trust, 1Voice, ACE Centre, The Makaton Charity, Scope, Signalong)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership of UK organizations producing 'Other Ways of Speaking' booklet providing information about children and young people who use different ways to communicate.
• Ace CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAce Centre is a recognized leader in assessment, provision, training and support in assistive technology. Winner of AAC Awards 2019 Setting of the Year for 35 years of innovative approach to supporting people with severe communication difficulties.
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunication Matters is a joint signatory on letters to the Prime Minister regarding speech and language therapy investment. Co-coordinated with RCSLT on Invest in SLT campaign delivered to 10 Downing Street.
• Talking MatscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWinner of AAC Awards 2019 Innovation Award. Talking Mats is a well-respected, well-researched communication framework with worldwide reputation supporting UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ISAAC (International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication): The global parent body of which Communication Matters is the UK chapter. Directly comparable as an AAC membership, advocacy, and conference organisation operating at an international level.
• Ace Centre: UK charity specialising in AAC assessment, provision, training, and support — a recognised leader in the field and partner of Communication Matters (winner of AAC Awards 2019 Setting of the Year). Directly comparable as a UK AAC service provider.
• 1Voice: UK AAC network for children and young people who use communication aids; partner in The Communication Partnership. Comparable as a UK AAC user-led membership/advocacy organisation.
• The Makaton Charity: UK charity delivering Makaton signing and symbol-based communication training and resources; partner in The Communication Partnership. Comparable as a UK AAC-adjacent training and membership charity.
• Signalong: UK communication charity providing symbol-based signing training; partner in The Communication Partnership. Comparable as a UK AAC-adjacent membership/training charity.
• The Communication Trust: UK coalition of charities focused on children and young people's speech, language, and communication; partner in The Communication Partnership. Comparable as a UK communication-sector umbrella organisation.

Broad incumbents

• Scope: Large UK disability charity and partner in The Communication Partnership. Comparable as a UK disability advocacy/charity operating at greater scale with overlap in communication and SEND policy.
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT): UK professional body for speech and language therapists; co-coordinated the Invest in SLT campaign with Communication Matters. Comparable as the professional counterpart serving AAC clinicians and SLT professionals.

Emerging players

• Talking Mats: AAC framework and training organisation (winner of AAC Awards 2019 Innovation Award). Comparable as a specialised AAC methodology provider operating in the UK with global research reputation.
• ATtherapy: UK provider of AAC mentoring services using experienced AAC users; partner in Communication Matters' Peer Support & Mentoring Project. Comparable as a peer-led AAC mentoring operator within the same network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@comm_matters
• Facebookfacebook.com/communicationmattersuk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/communication-matters-isaac-uk
• Instagraminstagram.com/comm.matters

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about isaac