Clear communication is something many of us take for granted. But for many people we support, it’s a daily challenge. Some have limited ways of expressing themselves — they may not be able to tell someone if they’re thirsty, cold, or frightened.

New places, loud sounds, and unfamiliar people can feel overwhelming — and when you can’t say how you feel, it can lead to real distress and frustration. It’s a frightening, isolating experience that no one should have to endure.

At SeeAbility, we aim to provide ambitious support. A big part of this is helping everyone to express their preferences, choices, ideas, and wishes. Assistive technology such as speech-generating apps, eye-controlled communication devices, braille embossers and interactive screens can be tailored to individual needs — unlocking the ability to communicate and, ultimately, transforming lives.

This December, through the Big Give Christmas Challenge, we’re raising funds to make this possible. Our goal is to raise £70,000 so that as many people as possible can benefit from this life-changing technology. We also hope to equip our specialist homes with large interactive devices so that people with limited communication can take part in group activities and connect with others.

Take Sadick, for example. He developed meningitis at just 19 months old, leaving him unable to speak. Today, eye-gaze technology allows him to use his eyes to select words on a screen. It gives him a voice — enabling him to make choices, share his thoughts, and join in everyday conversations.

Or Jake, whose mum shared:

“At first, Jake could only use three words and his moods could fluctuate substantially. By supporting him to use specialist technology, he can now communicate what he loves to do. He has gained confidence, independence, and new skills. He is much happier and is now building the life that he wants.”

Candace is another person who has benefitted from SeeAbility's communication support, but would benefit from the extra help that specialist technology could bring. A VOCA tablet is a specialist device that can turn typed words into speech, so Candace can tell the world exactly what she wants to say.

Rebecca, who supports Candace, says:

"A VOCA tabled would open up new possibilities for Candace. It would give her more of a voice and really reduce the frustrations she feels when she can't communicate exactly what she wants."

From midday on Tuesday 2 December until midday on Tuesday 9 December, every donation made through The Big Give will be doubled. That means your gift could go twice as far in helping people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to communicate and feel truly understood.

Please mark the dates in your diary and consider supporting this important appeal. Together, we can make this Christmas a time when more people have a voice.