I Can (charity)

I CAN is a charity in the UK that exists to support the speech, language and communication skills in children with a special focus on those who find this hard: children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). [www.ican.org.uk]

History

I CAN was founded in 1888 by a London Clergyman named Allen Dowdeswell Graham under the name of 'Invalid Children's Aid Association' (ICAA), to provide help for sick and disabled children. ICAA opened homes for children for condition such as rheumatic heart disease and shell-shock. Its specialist hospital for heart conditions was taken over by the National Health Service when it was established in 1948.

ICAA's name was changed to I CAN in 1986.

ervices

I CAN runs two schools, supports a network of early years centres through its Early Talk programme, provides training and consultancy and an information service [http://www.talkingpoint.org.uk Talking Point] . Its most famous event is the annual 'Chatterbox Challenge', when children across the UK are encourage to sing songs or nursery rhymes to raise funds.

Schools run by I Can

* Dawn house school in Nottingham
* Meath School in Surrey

The Bercow Review

In 2008, I CAN was involved in consultations leading up to the prodiction of the Bercow Review by Conservative MP John Bercow.

External links

* [http://www.ican.org.uk/ I CAN website]
* [http://www.talkingoint.org.uk Talking Point] - website run by I CAN for parents and people that work with children
* [http://www.literacytrust.org.uk The National Literacy Trust]
* [http://www.dcsf.gov.uk The Department for Children, Schools and Families]
* [http://www.teachernet.gov.uk Teachernet]
* [http://www.nhs.uk NHS Choices]
* [http://www.direct.gov.uk Direct Gov]

References

1. [http://www.ican.org.uk www.ican.org.uk] Retrieved on 22nd Sep 2008