Augmentative and Alternative Communication Information and Training
Below are links to national and international resources that offer a cornucopia of information about AAC.
AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
blog postings about AAC tools and strategies
This is a wealth of resources to get parents and teachers started on finding AAC methods for kids.
This website posts information about programs that cover and provide funding for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, also known as “speech generating devices” (SGDs). SGDs are essential tools to help people with severe communication disabilities meet their daily communication needs. They have been described as "vital" by federal judges, and "priceless" by their users.
AAC Institute Self-Study Program
The AAC Institute offers the opportunity to learn about various aspects of AAC that support the goal of the most effective communication possible for the individual. The courses allow individuals to work at their own pace. Classes are FREE and there are no prerequisites for taking these informative courses. All AAC stakeholders will find value in this resource. Internet access is the only requirement.
This site offers free resources as well as fee-for-service resources. It serves as a tool for "simplifying augmentative communication evaluations with one-of-a-kind toolkits, online resources and workshops." This website was put together to be a "central resource" for information on AAC devices to help research device choices and options. Contact information for AAC Manufacturers, product information for nearly 100 AAC Devices, and a trial of "Device Assistant" are free resources (and product trials) available from this site. Fee-for-service resources include: side-by-side comparison of AAC devices based on features, premade materials and overlays to assist in evaluation of language levels, workshops, and a light-tech, "low-cost chart". This site is currently a project of the AAC-RERC. Source: Communicate PA.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention
This website features work from Julie Maro and Caroline Musselwhie, providing "Tips, Tricks and Smart Sheets" for AAC (including literacy activities). Also a variety of "how-to" instructional lessons provide a good basis for using a variety of assistive technology (e.g., Kidspiration; Boardmaker) to promote literacy and learning. Source: Communicate PA.
Augmentative Communication and Empowerment Supports (ACES)
Temple University offers a program for young adults who use communication technology (speech generating devices or "SGD") transitioning from school to work, to help develop and refine their communication, including computer access and use for daily living/job skills.
Augmentative Communication Inc.
“Augmentative Communication Inc. (ACI) publishes resources that help keep busy professionals and individuals with complex communication needs up-to-date on important developments in Augmentative and Alternative Communication.”
This site provides an excellent overview of AAC and has a plethora of other resources.
Innovative Communication Programming (ICP)
Innovative Communication Programming is a dynamic business that provides support to people with severe communication impairments. We offer a range of solutions to facilitate effective and interactive communication whilst taking into consideration each person's own abilities, environments and tasks that need to be accomplished.
The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) works to improve the lives of children and adults who use AAC. ISAAC’s vision is that AAC will be recognized, valued and used throughout the world. ISAAC’s mission is to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs.
Fact sheet containing information on various aspects of AAC.
This site offers a wide range of training and resources about AAC. Its Parents’ Corner, written by a mother of twins with severe disabilities, is a place for parents to learn more about AAC and network.
An innovative organization educating children with severe speech and physical impairments through the use of:
- creative approaches to education and communication
- augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technology
- extensive involvement of families and community