SpeakUp Blog

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.

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USSAAC Leaders & Legends: David Yoder

Today, we honor legend David Yoder. David worked in what would be considered AAC (before it was called AAC) starting in the 1950s! He mentored pioneers in AAC including David Beukelman & Greg Vanderheiden. He continues to be a strong advocate for AAC, presuming potential in all learners and communicators, and equitable literacy instruction for all. We were lucky to have a conversation with this legend and hear of his experiences in AAC.

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Higher tech isn’t always better tech

Greg offers a unique perspective that higher tech isn’t always better tech! He values reliability, having a face-to-face conversation with a partner that isn’t blocked by a screen, and not having to rely on materials in his communication system. As there are more and more device systems available, this perspective is one that the community should keep in mind as user needs and opinions are the most important when designing an AAC system.

Read More  |  Topics: Firsthand AAC Perspectives

AAC & Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

blog post by Betts Peters PhD. CCC-SLP Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the motor neurons that carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles.…

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USSAAC AAC Legends Series: The founding of USSAAC

USSAAC’s SpeakUp editorial committee is excited to introduce a new series honoring USSAAC legends! We hope to launch a quarterly post featuring an interview with one legend from USSAAC. Today,…

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Woman with short blond hair and glasses in a polo shirt.

AAC Awareness Spotlight: AAC & Employment

USSAAC’s Vice-President for People Who Uses AAC & Families, Dr. Tracy Rackensberger, explains why awareness for both AAC and the employment for People with disabilities is so important. This video…

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October 2021 AAC Awareness Month

On behalf of USSAAC, we want to wish you a Happy AAC Awareness month! USSAAC’s campaign for this year is Amplifying AAC Voices Campaign. As part of this campaign, the AAC Speaker Connection has been established. To support our Amplifying AAC Voices Campaign, we will also be hosting a virtual Silent Auction from October 1st to 15th. This auction is designed to involve the broader community within and beyond USSAAC members and to fund the costs of establishing and maintaining the AAC Speaker Connection.

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SpeakUp Bloggers Earn $5000 Per Blog

We make it rain! But while you’re here…please Don’t forget to become a member on our Membership pagehttps://isaac-online.org/english/about-isaac/members/membership/ussaac/ Browse through our latest SpeakUp blog posts Inclusive Emergency Planning: Supporting the…

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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.

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Behavior and AAC

Stop me if you have read or heard this before from a co-worker or a family member: This child has too many challenging behaviors to use a communication device. They won't understand the device at all. They will break it or kick it. End of discussion, right? Hell no!

Read More  |  Topics: Firsthand AAC Perspectives

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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