I am a retired paediatric occupational therapist and travelled to Canada and the United States in 1977 to investigate Blissymbolics – an alternative and augmentative communication system.

Before my travels I had started using Bliss Symbols with some cerebral-palsied children who needed help communicating. Our school received many visitors who were interested in using the system but no-one was qualified to teach this method.

In Canada I undertook presenter training, investigated teaching techniques and looked at methods of accessing symbols, including eye-pointing. Upon my return I helped set up the Blissymbolics Communication Resource Centre (UK), now Blissymbol Communication UK, and became an advisor. I organised workshops, visited schools and centres and lectured in the UK and overseas. I introduced eye-coding using an E-Tran Frame and helped develop materials for teaching and using Blissymbols. I have recently been involved in making a film about the international use of Blissymbolics over 50 years.

My Fellowship was life-changing, as my professional skills were developed, my horizons were broadened and I met people who have become lifelong friends.