AAC Strategies & Resources

Physical Prompting & AAC

Most clinicians agree that having a system that does not require any prompting by an assistant or family member is the ultimate goal for an AAC system, and providing the most amount of control to the user in selecting the symbols, words, and letters in their system is paramount. However, many struggle with identifying the “right amount of support” to provide a learner when they are learning to use an AAC system. This post was inspired by questions that the USSAAC board of directors and members receive about this matter, and USSAAC offers this review of current considerations and guidance for our community.

Inclusive Emergency Planning: Supporting the Deaf Community

It has become evident that people with disabilities and their families do not have knowledge on how to prepare themselves for a disaster or emergency, resulting in the deterioration of their physical and mental health.

Beyond Face to Face: Teaching Distance Communication as Part of AAC Implementation

Are AAC users able to participate in virtual environments? Are we teaching them the skills they need before they transition to adult settings? The digital divide impacts many marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. Access barriers exist in the virtual world. We, as educators, can work to minimize their impact.

THE AAC ZONE IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

The “AAC Zone” was a small community designed to welcome individuals who use AAC to engage with shop owners, neighbors, and society in a more powerful and interactive way. The AAC Zone consisted of 11 local businesses, services, and facilities that welcomed patrons who have difficulty communicating.

Inspiring Communication

As the adults who are responsible for teaching children how to communicate, it’s our responsibility to INSPIRE.

AAC Awareness Month 2019

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month begins next week and our Awareness Committee has been busy at work planning activities and events to help spread the word.

One size symbols? Not fit for all!

Today we are pleased to share a guest post by EA Draffan and David Banes on their work in the area of developing culturally appropriate symbols. If you enjoy this…

Mobile Apps for Your AAC Implementation Toolbox

When we are able to shift our focus to modeling and teaching language within highly engaging and interactive activities, we can foster more language growth and build better relationships!

Using Videos to Support Language and Learning Across the Curriculum

May is Better Hearing & Speech Month and we’re celebrating by sharing timely and relevant information about AAC. Today we welcome Betsy Caporale, speech-language pathologist and AAC specialist to share…

Stories of Ourselves: I DARE to Build/Expand Communication and Literacy Skills

We all use stories to share our personal identity, culture, and create a sense of belonging and closeness. Personal photos and personalized multi-media presentations are contexts that enable students to comment, describe, and label in addition to ask questions and engage in information transfer.

AAC Info

There’s a broad range of strategies and devices that individuals may use for communication if their speech isn’t functional.

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