Charity helps to unlock power of communication

PROFESSOR Stephen Hawking overcame colossal odds to tell the world about his interpretation of the mysteries of the universe.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Mar 2015, 16:51 BST
Eddie Redmayne as Professor Stephen Hawking in The Theory of EverythingEddie Redmayne as Professor Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything
Eddie Redmayne as Professor Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything

The brilliant theoretical physicist has suffered from motor neurone disease since 1963, and he relies on a computer to get his message across. His story, which was brought to life by Eddie Redmayne in the hit film The Theory Of Everything, also highlights the value of work being carried out by a charity which has set up its national head office in Leeds. Communication Matters, which is the UK Chapter of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), has moved from Edinburgh to a new HQ at the Leeds Innovation Centre in Clarendon Road.

Catherine Harris, of Communication Matters, said: “The charity supports children and adults who are unable to speak or have difficulty making themselves understood due to a variety of conditions. Stephen Hawking received a lifetime achievement award from ISAAC.”

Ms Harris said Professor Hawking’s story showed the value of using alternative communication to empower people.

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