Please note: This website includes an accessibility system. Press Control-F11 to adjust the website to the visually impaired who are using a screen reader; Press Control-F10 to open an accessibility menu.

SpeakUp Blog

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.…

Read More  |  Topics: Research-in-AAC

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,…

Read More  |  Topics: USSAAC AAC Legends
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…

Read More  |  Topics: Firsthand AAC Perspectives

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More  |  Topics: AAC Strategies & Resources

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
ISAAC 2020 AAC Awareness Month Logo

2020 AAC Awareness Month

We have made it to October 2020! It’s been a long and challenging year for everyone. October is AAC Awareness Month. Now, more than ever, communication is extremely important. People are unable to get together in person. We are social creatures and our social lives have been uprooted.

Read More  |  Topics: Advocacy & Funding
TouchChat HD with WordPower AAC app screen with pop-up window for sending messages via text or email.

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.

Read More  |  Topics: AAC Strategies & Resources

AAC Info

Become a Member

Our Latest News