Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to consider the benefits of service users contributing to university teaching and having opportunities to present at a conference, both for student learning and clinical developemnt objectives as well as for the service users themselves. Design/methodology/approach - With reference to current policies and good practice guidelines, the article refelcts on the experiences of both the students and the service users in relation to the literature and the events that led to the People in Control Conference. Findings - Students valued the experience in terms of developing knowledge and insight into different techniques to facilitate both receptive and expressive communication. Students also had opportunities to think about their own perceptions of disability. Service users have gained in communication confidence and competence as well as getting opportunities to get their voices heard. Originality/value - Increased opportunites for serice users have cultural and clinical benfits for all involved.