Celebrating Non-Verbal Awareness Day: Every Voice Matters

Summary

Read about the importance of National Non-Speaking & Non-Verbal Awareness Day, and how we can celebrate, educate ourselves, and raise awareness.

Every year on September 30th, we mark National Non-Speaking & Non-Verbal Awareness Day. A powerful reminder that communication goes far beyond spoken words. For many individuals, especially those with autism, cerebral palsy, or other neurological conditions, speech isn’t the primary way they connect with the world. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have something to say.

This day is all about recognising, respecting, and amplifying the voices of those who communicate differently. Whether through sign language, AAC devices, gestures, or facial expressions, individuals who are non-verbal deserve to be heard, understood, and included.

Louder Than Words

Non-verbal communication is often misunderstood. 

Too many assumptions are made about intelligence, ability, or personality based solely on someone’s capacity to speak. National Non-Speaking & Non-Verbal Awareness Day challenges these misconceptions and encourages us to:

• Educate ourselves on alternative communication methods
• Advocate for inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities
• Celebrate the diversity of human expression

It’s also a day to reflect on how we, as educators, parents, and allies, can better support non-verbal individuals in expressing themselves and thriving.

Say It Your Way

Not everyone uses speech to communicate, and that’s perfectly okay.

There are so many powerful tools and techniques that help non-verbal individuals express themselves, connect with others, and participate fully in daily life.

Here are some of the most common and impactful methods:

🔤 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

AAC refers to any form of communication other than spoken language. It includes:

• Speech-generating devices (SGDs): These electronic tools produce spoken words when a user selects symbols, pictures, or text.
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): Users exchange picture cards to communicate their wants, needs, or ideas.
• Communication boards or books: These contain symbols or words that users can point to.
• Apps and tablets: Many AAC apps turn mobile devices into personalised communication tools.

👐 Sign Language

For many, sign language is a rich and expressive means of communication. British Sign Language (BSL) and other regional variants are full languages with their own grammar and structure, not merely a series of gestures.

😊 Body Language and Gestures

Eye contact, facial expressions, pointing, and hand movements can convey a lot. These forms of communication are often intuitive and can be incredibly effective, especially when paired with other methods.

🎨 Creative Expression

Art, music, and movement can also serve as effective forms of communication. Some non-verbal individuals use drawing, painting, or dance to express emotions and ideas that words can’t capture.

🧩 Behavioural Cues

Sometimes, behaviour itself is a form of communication. Changes in mood, routine, or reactions can signal discomfort, joy, or a need for something. Learning to interpret these cues is crucial to understanding and supporting individuals who are non-verbal.

Spotlights

To honour this day, we’re shining a light on four incredible individuals who have made a lasting impact in the world of autism, communication, and inclusion.

🌟 James Hunt: Stories About Autism

James Hunt is a father on a mission. Through his platform Stories About Autism, he shares raw, honest, and deeply moving accounts of life with his two autistic sons. His blog and social media presence have become a beacon of hope and understanding for thousands of families navigating similar journeys.

What makes James’ work so powerful is its authenticity. He doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but he also celebrates the victories, big and small. His storytelling helps dismantle stigma and builds understanding, especially around non-verbal communication and the unique ways his sons express themselves.

Alongside his advocacy, James also co-founded SAA Clothing, a brand that spreads awareness through bold, meaningful designs, including the powerful slogan “Love Needs No Words.” 

🛍️ Explore the shop here and wear your support with pride.

📌 Check out his podcast here, or view the Stories About Autism Facebook page!  

🌟 Anna Kennedy OBE: Autism Advocate and Educator

Anna Kennedy’s story is one of fierce determination. When her sons Patrick and Angelo were diagnosed with autism and faced rejection from 26 specialist schools, Anna didn’t give up. Instead, she founded her own school, a centre of excellence for children on the autistic spectrum.

Her work has since expanded into the Anna Kennedy Online charity, which promotes autism awareness, hosts events such as Autism’s Got Talent, and offers support to families across the UK. Anna is a tireless advocate for better education, inclusion, and understanding of individuals with non-verbal and autistic needs.

📌Find tickets to Autism’s Got Talent happening next Saturday, the 11th of October!

🌟 Dan Harris: Neurodiversity Advocate and Inclusion Leader

Dan Harris is a neurodivergent CEO, speaker, and advocate who uses his platform to champion neurodiversity in the workplace. As someone who has experienced communication challenges himself, Dan brings a unique perspective to the conversation around inclusion.

Through his work with Neurodiversity in Business, Dan helps organisations create environments where neurodivergent individuals (including those who are non-verbal) can thrive. He believes that varied perspectives and communication styles are more than assets…

they’re necessities.

📌 Find out more on Dan’s LinkedIn profile.

🌟 Esther Rantzen: Broadcaster and Campaigner

Best known for her work on the BBC’s That’s Life! and as the founder of Childline, Esther Rantzen spent decades advocating for the voices of those who are vulnerable. Although she wasn’t directly focused on non-verbal communication or autism, her legacy of giving children a platform to be heard aligns beautifully with the spirit of National Non-Speaking & Non-Verbal Awareness Day. 

Esther’s work reminds us that every child deserves to be listened to, regardless of how they communicate. Her lifelong efforts to support mental health and wellbeing in young people make her a vital ally in the broader conversation about inclusion. 

📌Check out the amazing communication and mental health resources in Childline’s Toolbox! 

Love Needs No Words

National Non-Speaking & Non-Verbal Awareness Day isn’t just about raising awareness…

It’s about connection. 

It’s about recognising that communication is a human right, and that every person, regardless of how they speak, deserves to be understood, respected, and included.

As James Hunt reminds us through his advocacy and apparel: “Love Needs No Words.” That simple phrase says it all. Whether through gestures, devices, art, or silence, what matters most is that we listen, learn, and love without limits.

So today, and every day, let’s tune in to the voices that aren’t always heard. Let’s celebrate the many ways people express themselves. And let’s make space for every kind of communication, spoken or not.

Discover how we can support nonverbal students, including those with cerebral palsy, autism, and other conditions, on our website. 

Check out our resources page for more blogs and helpful links!

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Ella Jones

If you’re looking for support for a child or young person with special educational needs or a disability, book a free call with us today and find out how we can help.