Funding in the UK
In the UK there are many different organisations that can provide funding for Smartbox products.
Below you can find information regarding NHS services in the UK and Ireland. If you are unable to receive NHS funding, you may be able to contact local or national charities to support with funding AAC.
A network of 17 Specialist AAC Services in England and Wales provide alternative communication, environment control, and computer control solutions to people that need them.
The NHS published new guidance for commissioning AAC services and equipment in March 2016. Download NHS guidance on AAC commissioning.
We work closely with Specialist Services and can help with referrals and general advice about the best funding routes.
The services available vary from assessments and loans of equipment through to training and ongoing support.
You can find out more about your local Hub and criteria for assessment by clicking on the relevant links below:
- North East and South East London – Guy’s and St Thomas’ Assistive Communication Service (GSTT ACS)
- East Midlands – Lincolnshire Adult’s AAC Service
- North West – ACE Centre (North)
- North East – Regional Communication Aid Service
- Yorkshire and Humber – Barnsley Assistive Technology Service
- West Midlands – ACT (Access to Communication and Technology)
- Wessex & Thames Valley – ACE Centre (South)
- East of England – East of England
- South West – AAC West
- London – Assistive Communication Service (ACS)
- London – Compass Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology Service
- London – Wolfson Neuro-Disability Team – Communication Service
- Sussex and Surrey – Chailey Heritage Clinical Services
- Kent and Medway – Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology Service (KM CAT) – Adults
- Kent and Medway – Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology Service (KM CAT) – Children & Young People
- Wales – Communication Aid Centre, ALAC
Funding provision in Scotland and Northern Ireland is structured differently, with funding often provided by the NHS, local authority or a combination of organisations. To find out how to access these services or get in touch there are some useful links below:
To read more about NHS Hubs that operate in the UK, visit the Communication Matters funding webpage.
For people living in the UK or Ireland that do not qualify for NHS funding, there may be a national or local charity that could help.
Get in touch with our team to find out more.
Helping you access the right funding
Our team of Assistive Technology experts will visit you to try a range of devices and ways to access communication, in a relaxed environment. Once we’ve found the best product to help you get started with AAC, we’ll be on hand to advise on services in your area.