Sandra Hartley

Sandra Hartley has over 35 years’ experience working in educational and rehabilitation settings.  Following a career as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Sandra most recently worked as a supplier of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and AT (Assistive Technology), providing solutions for people of all ages with a wide range of needs. This role saw her engaging in the development of technology, its application and delivery, alongside close user involvement.

Key to Sandra’s work ethic has been a person centred approach embracing a multi-disciplinary approach rather than communication alone. Working closely with professionals from education, social care and health alongside families and users Sandra gained experience of the widest range of technology including; wheelchairs control systems and home automation.

Sandra has worked in a variety of settings including; residential school and college, specialist neurology settings, family homes, children’s centres, NHS clinics and a national charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The prime role in the MNDA was the establishment of the equipment loan service, assessing the needs of users and provision of equipment. Working at Treloar School and College Sandra was part of a multidisciplinary team managing the needs of the students with a wide range of disabilities both in residential and mainstream settings addressing both physical access to communication and the school environment but also the wider social issues.

Sandra has delivered presentations at a local, national and international level. Presenting papers and case studies at conferences and study days around the world.

Sandra has worked closely with the charity Communication Matters and was involved in its lobbying activities, which were integral in gaining centrally ring-fenced funding for an AAC specific budget. In her role as deputy chair she took an active part in engaging with AAC users and identifying ways the charity could support this group better.

Membership of Professional Bodies/Organisations

• Communication Matters - National voluntary organisation of members concerned with augmentative and alternative communication

• ISAAC - International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Sandra holds an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau.