Dear Friends:
It is hard to believe that the summer season is drawing to a close, and that you – or the students you know – may be back to school already! I hope you have successfully endured (and were prepared for!) the heat, humidity and storms that 2023 brought us in June, July and early August!
ISAAC Conference
Congratulations to all who participated in ISAAC Cancun’s world-class educational program, as presenters, exhibitors, or “just” attendees! It was excellent to meet up with old and new friends from all over the world, in real life! Special thanks to USSAAC conference co-chairs Miriam Boesch and Yoosun Chung, and the USSAAC AAC users who participated in the North American Alliance for Communication Access (NAACA) to make sure the conference venue and surrounding businesses provided communication access to all attendees. Learn more about NAACA at ISAAC – Communication Access Resources (isaac-online.org)
Our Chapter meeting was a great success! If you would like to review the slides that were presented, they are available at https://shorturl.at/eGR15
By now you may have heard that ISAAC will not be having its conference in Rome in 2024. I will share updates with you as to timing and location (Italy, but maybe not Rome) as they become available. The good news is that we now have more time to save up for that long awaited trip to Europe!
Mini-grants
If you are University faculty and are involved with an AAC “club” or Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, consider initiatives that may meet the intent of USSAAC’s Amplifying AAC Voices Mini-Grants. Applicants must be a USSAAC member and include an AAC user in developing the application. Contact president@ussaac.org for more information and a copy of the application.
Member Finder
USSAAC’s Member Finder is growing https://finder.ussaac.org. We’re now at more than 50 listings, and once we hit 100, all members with profiles will be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift card (Amazon or Starbucks). It just takes a minute – you don’t even need to know your ISAAC number (just be sure to use the email on record with ISAAC).
ISAAC AAC Chats
Did you know ISAAC offers unique opportunities for people who use AAC to meet online and discuss topics of interest, facilitated bi-weekly by hosts who uses AAC? You can join using any Google account you may have. Schedule and more information available at ISAAC – PWUAAC Online Chats (isaac-online.org)
Upcoming Webinars
Just in time for September, National Preparedness Month, USSAAC is pleased to present “The 411 on Training 911 First Responders” about AAC, with USSAAC members Mariesa Rang and Sharon Mankey, on Wednesday, September 20 at 7:00 PM Eastern. Information will include a “how to” guide for contacting first responder departments and a brief overview of the presenters’ training program. The presenters will also provide resources for participants to begin training first responders in their own communities and will discuss practical tips on how to engage first responders in this critical conversation. Offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, included at no cost to members.
Register today at on the “The 411 on Training 911 First Responders” event page
Keep in Touch!
As always, feel free to reach out to me at president@ussaac.org with any questions, concerns, or comments. Stay tuned for an announcement for a virtual opportunity for USSAAC members to gather and chat, likely in mid-to late-September. In the meantime, stay cool!
Best wishes,
Amy S. Goldman, President
Calendar Re-Cap
August 21, 2023: 2:00 PM Eastern. ISAAC Chat: “How did you get started with AAC?”
September 20, 2023: 7:00 PM Eastern. USSAAC Webinar: “411 on Training 911 Responders”
September 30, 2023: Deadline for applications for the Annual Edwin and Esther Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture award. Learn more and apply at ATIA 2024 Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture Call for Nominations – Assistive Technology Industry Association
October 2023: AAC Awareness Month, 2023 theme – “Say What?” ISAAC – AAC Awareness (isaac-online.org)
October 2, 2023: ATIA “Early Bird” Registration closes Registration Information – Assistive Technology Industry Association (atia.org)
October 11-13, 2023: Closing the Gap, Minneapolis, MN.
October 11, 2023: 5:30 – 6:30 PM. USSAAC Meet-up at Closing the Gap, Directors Row
January 26, 2024: 6:00 – 6:45 PM. USSAAC Meet-up at ATIA, Miami Meeting Room
Stay up-to-date on USSAAC activities through social media – Follow, like, comment and share at https://www.facebook.com/ussaac1
Follow ISAAC at https://www.facebook.com/ISAACinternational