HUNDREDS of Isle of Wight residents could benefit from a new pilot project aimed to support those with communication needs.

The scheme, due to launch later this month, will feature a multi-agency service support by specialist national charity, the ACE Centre.

The ACE Centre specialises in communication and assistive technology for those with difficulties due to physical impairment, language disorder or learning disability.

Leah Frisby, team lead for the Island's Schools Speech and Language Support Team, said: "This project is a great opportunity for our Island services to work together and share our resources, develop our expertise and really change and improve access to the community for a wide range of people."

The three-year pilot, funded by NHS England, will help develop, support and provide training for local augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services.

These services can include alphabet charts, symbol-based charts and books and output communication aids.

The ACE Centre will work with the council, NHS speech and language therapy services, the Isle of Wight College, St George's School, Medina House School and St Catherine's School.

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for Children’s Services, Councillor Paul Brading, said it was a real boost for the Island to be involved in such an important pilot project.