Member's statement: National Nonspeaking/Non-verbal Awareness Day
Member's statement by Mr Robbie Butler on .
- MLA
- Mr Robbie Butler
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 30 September 2024
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- National Nonspeaking/Non-verbal Awareness Day
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4563407
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Some may be aware that today is National Nonspeaking/Non-verbal Awareness Day. I make the House aware of a vision called Love Needs No Words NI Hub. Its mission is clear: to create meaningful connections and to provide vital services for individuals who are nonspeaking and non-verbal, regardless of their disability, diagnosis or age. I ask everyone to imagine a world where every voice is heard, even those of people who cannot speak. Imagine the breakthroughs in understanding and the joy that we could cultivate by simply giving people the tools and space to communicate in their own unique way. That is what should drive us: the belief that communication is more than just words and that every individual deserves to have their own way of expressing themselves. Advocates for and parents of non-verbal children have unwavering optimism for what can and should be, because they know that together we can build something special and something that truly matters. Their approach is guided by kindness, care and a deep sense of responsibility to foster inclusivity in all communities. They are not just creating a hub of support but changing the way in which the world understands non-verbal communication. I invite members to join us in celebrating this important day — National Nonspeaking/Non-verbal Awareness Day. Together, we can bring awareness to a world that often overlooks the beauty of non-verbal expression and build a community that is compassionate and open to the diverse ways in which people communicate. It is not just about raising awareness, however. More importantly, it is about changing lives and creating a place where everyone, no matter their ability or means of communication, feels valued, understood and heard. We can only do that collectively, so it should be our commitment, as legislators, to put our shoulders to the wheel. With our support, a truly transformative space can be built with the power to spark real change across all our communities. I ask you to take a moment to visit the Love Needs No Words NI Hub website, learn about their vision and think about the difference that we can make together. It takes only one connection or one act of kindness to set off a ripple that can help many wonderful individuals on their journey to finding their voice. Let us join forces, lift each other up and create a community in which everybody belongs. I believe in that dream, and I hope that others can see it too.
411 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.03 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.04 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.01 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.02 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.01 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.03 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.17 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.03 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 1.00 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.00 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
| Parades, bonfires and commemorations | 0.00 |
| Irish language, Ulster-Scots and language policy | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:06 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reads every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.