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).

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.

Services

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 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.

The Bercow Review

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

John Bercow

John Simon Bercow is a British politician who has been the Speaker of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom since June 2009. Prior to his election to Speaker he was a member of the Conservative party....

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