Dad says technology has given autistic son a voice

A father has called for more to be done to give autistic, non-speaking people like his son a voice through the use of technology.

Dan Harris, who is from Peterborough, gave a speech on autism acceptance at an Unesco event on inclusive schooling in Paris this week. He urged for technology to be made more accessible to people who are non-speaking.

The idea was inspired when his 10-year-old son Joshie began to point to pictures on an electronic tablet to communicate.

Mr Harris called it the “biggest” moment of his life and advocated for the rights of all children to a full and productive education, irrespective of any special needs.

Last year, Mr Harris, who is the founder of the charity Neurodiversity in Business, campaigned and secured funding for 100 picture boards to be installed in Peterborough to help people communicate through images.

He said a relatively small amount of money could help unlock children’s brains and called the use of technology “life-changing” for them.

“We were told to lower our expectations for our son, but now he is internationally recognised as an inspiration for non-speaking children globally,” Mr Harris said.

“The thing that really struck me was that every country around the world was represented, and with our information boards, we could have them internationally implemented.

“I have been overwhelmed with the volume of interest and it is eminently fundable. I think it affirms what people could see in him, and the art of the possible.”

The Global Inclusive Schools' Forum in Paris recognised practitioners’ work on inclusive learning and promotes inclusive educational practices.

Mr Harris called the event a “massive opportunity” to campaign for his son’s voice and said he received a lot of support in the room.

“I said, we need a reality check and we should be funding these devices routinely, education is a human right. If you invest in children, the sky is the limit.”

He said people’s worlds could be opened up, “but if we wait, it’s too late”.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830