SpeakUp Blog


Speech therapist giving a smiling child a hug.

Inspiring Communication

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


Graphic of a world map with the text, "AAC Allows Access to the World."

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…


Images depicting symbols for giving opinions, including emoji symbols from Facebook.

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.


Telling my Story in Boston

Although there were about 250 chairs set up in the room, some people stood along the walls or sat on the floor. I looked around and found a woman to focus on. Then I put my hand on my device, pushed a key, and said, “Hi! My name is Todd. I would like to tell you about my...”


Honoring EVERYONE’s right to communicate

Happy New Year USSAAC members and guests.  We’re ready to start the new year off right with a thought-provoking article by Patricia Politano about strategies we can use to  ensure…


Happy holidays from USSAAC!

Happy Holidays from USSAAC

All of us here at SpeakUP wish our readers the very happiest of holidays and a happy new year.  Keep an eye out for new content beginning on January 7,…


Confidence, Willingness to Communicate, and AAC

Idea of Confidence When you consider confidence, what is it that first comes to mind? Do you imagine someone who is a risk-taker and fearless? Maybe you view that person…

Read More  |  Topics: Research-in-AAC

AAC Info

Become a Member

Our Latest News