Every Child Is Heard: Empowering Non-Verbal Children with the Gift of Communication

Providence Child Development Society is a non-profit organization that has supported children with developmental delays across Calgary since 1943. Through our seven preschools, kindergartens, and community-based programs, we provide early intervention, inclusive education, and therapeutic supports to more than 1,000 children and their families each year. Our Assistive Technology (AT) program spans all areas of service, ensuring that every child we serve has access to the communication tools they need to be seen, heard, and included.

This initiative provides Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology to children who are non-verbal or minimally verbal. Many face communication barriers due to conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy. developmental delays, genetic disorders, brain injuries or other neurological conditions. Without AAC, they often struggle to express basic needs, build relationships, participate in learning, and advocate for themselves, which can lead to isolation, frustration, and reduced quality of life.

By Providing personalized AAC devices – ranging from speech-generating tablets to communication boards – Providence bridges this communication gap. These tools give children a reliable way to communicate and engage fully at home, in school, and in their communities. Families, caregivers, and educators receive training and support to ensure AAC is successfully integrated into daily routines, fostering meaningful communication across all environments.

The impact is transformative. With AAC, children can say “I love you” for the first time, participate in classroom discussions, build friendships, and confidently navigate their world. This program empowers children, strengthens family connections, and builds inclusive communities where diverse forms of communication are understood and embraced. Funding will be used to purchase AAC devices and software licenses, customize and set up each device, provide training for children and caregivers, and offer ongoing technical support. Through this initiative, we give children the tools they need to connect, communicate, and truly be heard.

This initiative directly benefits non-verbal and minimally verbal children who experience communication barriers due to a range of complex needs. Through personalized AAC technology, they gain a reliable way to communicate – empowering them to express their thoughts and emotions, build meaningful relationships, participate in learning, and advocate for themselves in both school and community settings.

Families and caregivers will also benefit significantly. With access to training, coaching, and ongoing support, they gain the tools and confidence to support their child’s communication development, reduce daily stress, and strengthen emotional connections at home. Many caregivers become powerful advocates, sharing their knowledge and experiences to support other families and expand the initiative’s reach.

Educators, speech-language pathologists, early childhood professionals, and support staff benefit through increased access to AAC resources and training. These tools help professionals support not only AAC users but all learners – creating classrooms and programs that are more inclusive, responsive, and accessible. 

On a broader scale, the initiative fosters awareness, empathy, and inclusion. As children using AAC participate more fully in public life – answering questions in class, joining activities, and forming friendships – stigma decreases, and acceptance of diverse forms of communication grows. This cultural shift encourages communities to be more equitable and connected, while empowering children, families, educators, and community members to build more inclusive spaces together.