About Us

Communication – a Vital Link to Life

I CAN is the children’s communication charity.

We work to foster the development of speech, language and communication skills in all children with a special focus on those who find this hard: children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

Communication is the foundation life skill of the 21st Century. It affects our ability to learn, form relationships and make friends. Unable to communicate their feelings and needs, children become frustrated, feel isolated and alone. There is a direct and proven link between SLCN and emotional and behavioural problems. Without the right help at the right time, these children are left out and left behind.

As many as half of all children are entering primary schools without the speech and language skills that they need to learn, make friends and achieve. One in ten children (or 1.2 million) has SLCN in the UK. That’s almost three in every classroom. In addition to this, as many as half of all children are entering primary schools with impoverished speech and language skills.

Ignoring SLCN, longer term communication difficulties that need specialist support and help, children’s communication costs the individual, the family and the nation.

I CAN's Vision

A world where children have the communication skills to be all they can be.

I CAN's Role

I CAN is the children’s communication charity providing programmes that:

• create communication friendly settings for children in their early years
• deliver specialist therapy and education for children with the most severe and complex difficulties
• help professionals from across the children’s workforce to better support children’s communication needs through training and information services
• help parents access the information that they need to support their child

We also work to ensure that the needs of these children are taken into account in all children’s policy and carry out research to find the best ways to support these children.

I CAN's Values:

Communicative – Communication is our passion and improving communication is at the heart of everything that we do. Because good communication is always two way, we listen and respond clearly to children, their families and those who work with us.

Professional – We strive for excellence in everything we do by using evidence, expertise and experience. We use our resources effectively to make the greatest impact.

Innovative – We aim to change things for the better and are constantly developing and evaluating new and effective approaches to support children.

Involving – We value the contribution of others. By working together, we can make a greater impact on more children's lives. We are also committed to equality of opportunity and take action to enable participation for all.

Transparent – We share information about our plans and progress so that we are accountable for everything we do.