Effective and accessible communication is considered by many as a human right. Organizations supporting this include: the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association; the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication; and the North American Alliance for Communication Access. [1] [2] As Care Managers and others who serve and support persons with disabilities strive to … Continue reading Ensuring Communication Access for People Who Use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
Tag: AAC
What is AAC?
AAC, in the world of speech therapy and communication, is the acronym for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any form of communication used, other than the spoken word, to express oneself. AAC includes: gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, body language, signs, written text, pictures, symbols. Many of these forms of communication are used by everyone. … Continue reading What is AAC?
Opportunity is Knocking
That early opportunity to participate in a natural community came about because we paid attention to what my son could do and loved doing. I cracked open the door of opportunity by recognizing it and asking others to try.
The First Step: Presume Competence
Why? Even if your non-verbal child has been tested by every professional under the sun, it is my opinion that none of us know the extent of what the child is thinking, what he/she understands or what he/she is capable of when faced with new learning opportunities or challenges. When you presume competence, you automatically … Continue reading The First Step: Presume Competence
How Do I Climb This Mountain?
Every mountain seems impossible to climb when you stand at the bottom and look up. When faced with the challenges of raising or teaching a child with special needs, it’s hard to know where to start or which need to focus on.
Karen Warfle 