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We would like to know of any of the International AAC Month events so we can put them on the website and International AAC Month page on facebook. Please e-mail it to: info@aacawareness.org
In France, some people from APF (Association des paralysés de France) have created a blog to join people with AAC in France, to suggest to meet together and share.. everything : stories, aids, ideas, shouts, advocacy, etc...
This blog is : http://unikom.blogs.apf.asso.f
TITLE: Many methods, one goal: To communicate
Augmentative and Alternative Communication professionals worldwide today launch a monthlong awareness campaign. The International AAC Awareness month is marked by a series of activities that aim to promote more knowledge about the benefits of AAC.
There are people for whom speech is not a valid form of communication. Several factors may affect the ability to speak. While this is a very frustrating circumstance, there are several ways in which communication may be achieved via alternative methods or augmentation of existing communicative abilities. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) describes methods of communication which reinforces any residual communication ability and also provides alternatives when speech is not an efficient mode of communication. These can include sign language and gestures, systems based on symbols, simple communication devices or complex electronic devices. In short, no matter what method is used, the goal is effective communication.
It is encouraging to realise that technology has come a long way over the past decade and that devices are available to supplement speech and to allow those requiring AAC to communicate freely and effectively. In October 2009, the Speech-Language Department is creating an awareness campaign to mark the International AAC Awareness month. About ACTU
As part of the Awareness Campaign, the Speech-Language Department is launching a competition open to school children and is inviting all children to submit a drawing, essay, or other creative form of expression that depicts their understanding of AAC. Participants are invited to submit their work to the Department by addressing it to Speech-Language Department, Ingiered Road, Luqa, LQA 3301 or by email by October 20.
The Speech-Language Department is also launching the AAC Club on October 30 at the Department for Social Welfare Standards. This club seeks to provide all AAC users with a forum for discussion as well as the opportunity to interact with other AAC users, both locally and internationally. The club will also provide support, intervention and information about new methods and devices that are emerging. Interested parties are invited to join by sending their details to the Department. Invitations to the launch will be sent to all registered members.
For more information, you may contact the Speech-Language Department by email at
speechlanguage@gov.mt or on 2123 0822.
On the 30th October the Speech-Language Department is launching the AAC clinic "Many modes, one goal: To communicate". The AAC clinics is a place where AAC users in Malta can register. This will provide them with the opportunity to interact with other AAC users, both locally and internationally (through Skpe). It will also provide an opportunity for parents/carers of AAC users to learn new intervention techniques and methods.
AHRC Adult Day Services has designated Thursday, October 22 as Assistive Technology Awareness Day. The day’s events will take place at the Main Office, 83 Maiden Lane, N.Y., 13th floor from 11:00-3:30. Events include a short film highlighting low-tech and high-tech AAC users from 9 Day Centers; an “open mic” where our special guests, 17 high-tech AAC users, will be invited to “tell us about yourself;” and an awards ceremony, where the short film submitted to ISACC will be shown and awards presented to all special guests. The Assistive Technology EXPO follows the presentation where communication, music, art, listening, health, recreation and learning technology used throughout ADS will be on display for all to see and try out.
