4 November 2026
Yesterday (3 November 2026) the Communication Access UK (CAUK) partnership launched the new Welsh-language version of the CAUK training which supports millions of people with speech, language and communication needs.
The launch event was held at the Senedd, in Cardiff and included members of the Senedd and stakeholder and charity partner organisations who heard why the training is so vital to support people with speech, language and communication needs. The training is now available in both English and Welsh, with the latter version partly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The CAUK training and standards were first developed in 2020 to promote knowledge of the communication needs of people who may have difficulty accessing services and support organisations to ensure this is embedded across all their touchpoints.
Every individual and organisation that undertakes the training on accessible face-to-face, telephone and online customer service, will earn the right to display the Communication Access Symbol – demonstrating they have all their customers’ needs close to heart. The training is split into four modules and can be undertaken in stages or in one go.
CAUK is a partnership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), Communication Matters, Stroke Association, Headway, MND Association, National Network of Parent Carer Forums, Business Disability Forum, Disability Rights UK and The Makaton Charity.
From November 2026, Communications Matters has taken over from the RCSLT as the host organisation of the online training. If you previously registered for CAUK training and/or are due for renewal soon, visit communication-access.co.uk to re-register on the updated website.
Steve Jamieson, Chief Executive of the RCSLT, said: “I’m delighted to see the Communication Access UK training rolled out to a wider audience with the launch of the new Welsh language version. One in five people in the UK experience communication difficulties at some point in their lives so ensuring they are supported by people who understand how to communicate in an inclusive way is vital and will make a world of difference to them.
“It’s been a pleasure leading the CAUK partnership and I look forward to working with Communication Matters, alongside our other partners, as they take up the reigns of managing this important initiative.”
Chair of Communication Matters, Andrea Sharples, said: “The launch of Welsh-language Communication Access UK training is an important milestone for communication accessibility in Wales. Everyone deserves to be understood and included when accessing the services they need, including people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and others with communication difficulties. By helping organisations recognise and remove communication barriers, Communication Access UK is supporting more inclusive services and better experiences for people across Wales.”
