Student Voice at CENMAC

Shaping the future of accessibility through youth voice

At CENMAC, young people are not just supported, they are actively involved in shaping the future of assistive technology, accessibility and inclusive education.

We believe that those who use assistive technology should help design and improve the systems that support them.

What is Student Voice?

Student Voice at CENMAC ensures that young people are heard, involved and empowered to influence real change.

Through a range of activities, platforms and opportunities, young people share their lived experiences to help shape:

  • Assistive technology support
  • Accessibility in education
  • Inclusive practices across schools and services

This ensures that services are built around real needs, not assumptions.

Our Approach

Student Voice at CENMAC is built around three key areas:

Changemakers Collective (CCC)
Youth Advisory Board

The CENMAC Changemakers Collective (CCC) is a group of young people who use CENMAC services and come together to:

  • Share lived experiences
  • Shape ideas and priorities
  • Influence decisions
  • Lead change

This is where student voice directly informs the future direction of CENMAC.

Engagement & Outreach

Reaching More Young People

We work with students across schools through:

  • Workshops and school visits
  • Assemblies and awareness sessions
  • Feedback sessions with young people
  • Events such as Communication Works

This ensures a wide range of voices are heard.

Content & Awareness

Amplifying Youth Voice

We support young people to share their experiences through:

  • Social media content
  • Student-led campaigns
  • Videos and lived experience stories
  • Awareness initiatives

This helps raise visibility and drive change beyond CENMAC.

Why It Matters

Student Voice ensures that:

  • Young people feel heard and valued
  • Services reflect real needs
  • Accessibility continues to improve

Without Student Voice:

  • Real experiences are not fully understood
  • Opportunities to improve services are missed
  • Awareness of assistive technology remains limited
CENMAC CHANGEMAKERS COLLECTIVE
Members of the CENMAC Changmakers Collective - Khamani Edwards, Student Voice Lead (centre) with students Lauris and Lauriel

CENMAC’s Student Voice Lead Khamani Edwards (centre) with CCC student members Lauris and Lauriel

First meeting of the CENMAC Changemakers Collective

First meeting of the CENMAC Changemakers Collective

CENMAC's Student Voice Lead Khamani Edwards presenting at a Southwark Primary SENCO's event

Student Voice Lead Khamani presenting at a Southwark Primary SENCOs event

Get Involved

We are always looking to grow Student Voice at CENMAC.

For Students:
If you use CENMAC services and would like to get involved in the CENMAC Changemakers Collective, speak to your parents or carers and then contact us.

For Schools:
If you would like your students to be involved in Student Voice activities, workshops or feedback sessions, we would love to hear from you.

Contact CENMAC Student Voice Lead Khamani Edwards on email: kedwards@cenmac.com

Keynote speaker & MC Khamani Edwards on the stage at Communication Works

Student Voice Lead Khamani in action giving a presentation at CENMAC’s annual event Communication Works