ISAAC AAC Awareness Month
 
 


2008 MANY STORIES ONE VOICE WRITING CONTEST

ONLINE COLLECTION

 

Click here to view original Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Detailed)

Click on a title to view submission. 

 

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The information is presented in the following format:

Author,

Author’s age,

Type (e.g. text, PowerPoint, with or without photos or picture symbols),

Genre:

Adventure
AAC Experience
—a story in which an AAC device is explicitly talked about or used.  It could be a story with a character who uses AAC to obtain or accomplish something in the story.  This could also be a personal narrative of the author's life which includes not only telling his or her story but also discussing the role AAC plays in his or her life.    Personal Narrative—a story, poem, or essay in which the author gives an account of his or her life or some aspect of it.   
Poem
Song

Topic or description of story

Tactile object relating to title or story:  This category is provided to give ideas for visual/tactile objects relating to the story or its title.  The objects may help someone in choosing a story to read, particularly if he or she has difficulty reading text (due to problems with vision or other issues).  The objects provide a visual and tactile way to relate to the story and may also be used for reading activities such as acting out parts of the story.   

Target audience

 

 

Country

 

Australia

 

John Rynn (Age 53): "My Ride With AAC"  (text); (personal narrative, AAC experience) personal account looking back on using AAC for over 40 years; (TRAIN; SAILBOAT, PAINT BRUSH, POETRY/BOOK); teens, adults

 

Canada

 

The students of the Early Learning Program at the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre, Ages 3 -5 "Ice Cream"  (PowerPoint story in photos with text), (AAC experience, Adventure) kindergarten students who use AAC make plans and go out for ice cream; shows various communication devices in use (TOY ICE CREAM; ICE CREAM SCOOP); very young readers

 

Rabin Betkhoodo, (Age 32)  Trilogy  (text) (AAC experience) three humorous stories about a man who uses his foot to communicate and the problems he has encountered when people did not understand him (SHOE, BUS, HAT, MONEY, SMALL PIECE OF PAPER, KEY, BAT, HOSPITAL, POLICE); teens, adults

 

Mary Douglas "Mary's Song" (PowerPoint page with photo of author and song); (personal narrative, AAC experience) personal account about learning to use AAC written as a song set to a popular melody (MUSICAL INSTRUMENT); teens, adults

 

Chelsea Hagen (Age 11) "HAMSTER GETS VANGARD"; (text) (Adventure, Animal story) story about animal friends raising money for an AAC device and more (TOY HAMSTER, KANGAROO, CAMEL, LEMONADE STAND, ORANGES, DANCING SCHOOL TUTUS); young readers

 

Marshall Hohmann, (Age 16) "Marshall: An Inventory of Being" (text); (poem, personal narrative) poem describing personal characteristics in the format of an inventory list (MIRROR); teens and adults

 

Riley Koyanagi (Age 10) "Tim and Pirate Redbeard" (text with photo of the author); (Adventure) story about Tim and his adventure on a pirate ship (PIRATE FLAG,  SWORD, NECKLACE, RED BEARD), young readers

 

Denise Landry "The Dancing Dolly" (text); (Adventure, AAC experience) story about a doll store at night, a doll with a broken voice box who learns to communicate by dancing on the keys of a talking computer, and a rescue (DOLLS); young readers

 

Jeffery MacDonald (Age 8) "The Attack of the Mutant Octous" (text with two photos of the authors); (Adventure, AAC experience) adventure story with a moral (TOY OCTOPUS, TREES, GUN, BROTHERS); young readers

 

Douglas Ogar (Age 47) Poems (text); (personal narrative, AAC experience) account of personal experience using AAC plus two poems with brief commentary:  Let Me Bring the Sunshine Back into Your LIfe (with repeating 4-line chorus) (SUN) and A Reclined State of Mind (RECLINING CHAIR, DECK CHAIR); teens, adults

 

Brett Reynolds (Age 36) "THE WISH THAT ADAM WANTED" (text with a photo of the author;13 pages); (AAC experience, Adventure) story of a man who dreams of people with disabilities living in space, becomes the first person in a wheelchair to travel in outer space, and helps rescue someone on Mars who later helps with his dream (SPACE SHIP, MARS, LITTLE GREEN MAN, ASTEROID); young readers, teens

 

Kaysha Robinson (Age 7)  "The Broken Tooth" (text); (Adventure, AAC experience) short story about two friends and a broken tooth (TOOTH, NURSE, HOSPITAL); very young readers

 

Melinda Rundle (Age 35) "My Parliament Experience" (text); (personal narrative; AAC experience) personal account of a self-advocate who uses AAC addressing the Canadian Parliament to request funding for AAC devices for adults of all ages (MICROPHONE); teens, adults

 

Nicky Scarr-Crosmas (Age 8) "Nicky's Story" (text); (personal narrative) personal account of using AAC in school (BROTHERS-QUADRUPLETS, SCHOOL, BUS, VARIOUS AAC TECHNOLOGY); young readers

 

China

 

张龙龙, "      " in Chinese and English; "Great Love Is Boundless—From the Bottom of my Heart" (text); (personal narrative)  personal account of using AAC and an expression of gratitude to his parents (HEART); teens, adults

 

张旭洋, , "回家的旅程" "Going Back Home" (text); (AAC experience) story about a trip on a train, misunderstanding, and making friends (TRAIN; HOUSE), teens, adults;  "无意中的耻笑" "Sneering Unintentionally?" in Chinese and English (text); (AAC experience) essay about the importance of respecting people with disabilities (WORD "RESPECT" OR SYMBOL) teens, adults  

 

Cyprus

 

Aggelos Neophytou (Age 12) "Ο Άγγελος: Η ιστορία μου  (Aggelos: A story about myself)" (pictographs and pictures with Greek text also translated to English); (personal narrative, AAC experience) personal account of using AAC; includes a description of the author's AAC system (MAP SHOWING CYPRUS); young readers

 

France

 

Jérémy Montalti, 16 ans, "DES DIFFICULTÉS POUR PARLER" en Français  (text); (personal narrative, AAC experience) personal account of using AAC (LETTERBOARD); teens

 

Oasis: Anne, Corinne and Marie "Trois drôles de dames à paris : mission communication" en Français (PowerPoint with drawings and handwritten text); (Adventure) story about three women on a mission in Paris (SUITCASE, EIFFEL TOWER, TRAIN); young readers, teens

 

 

 

Germany

 

Dagmar Winter (Age 42) "The Treasure of the Great Wide Sea" (PowerPoint slide show in English text with drawings and animation); (Adventure) story about two characters who meet and go on a treasure hunt together  (TREASURE CHEST); very young readers

 

 

India

 

Barsha Bhattacharya, (Age 26) "Aparajita (The Undefeated)" CONTEST WINNER (text translated to English); (AAC experience) story of a young woman who learns to use AAC, becomes a poet, and falls in love (HEART, RING); teens, adults

 

Putul Biswas  (Age 38) “A Promise“ (text translated to English) (AAC experience) story of a young man who uses AAC, has a successful career, and wishes to marry (BRIEFCASE, ALPHABET BOARD, RING); teens, adults

 

Chandan Das (Age 19) “Bhola’s Life” (text translated to English) (Adventure) story of a young man from a poor family who works hard to help them (CANDLE, HUT); teens

 

Sampa Ghosh (Age 13) “A Day During The Pujas” (text translated to English) (personal narrative, AAC experience) personal account of  how the author who uses AAC spent one day during the festival (CALENDAR, HOLIDAY); young readers

 

Shradha Khator (Age 30) “The Echo of Life” (text translated to English) (AAC experience) story of a woman who uses AAC searching for peace and meaning in her life (LIGHTNING BOLT, GREY HAIRS, GURU, CHILD); teens, adults

 

Saikat Mitra (Age 15) “The Woodcutter and the Ghost” (text translated to English) (Adventure) story of a poor woodcutter who wants to make his family happy (AX, TREE, GHOST) young readers

 

Sayari Sarkar (Age 14) My Best Friend” (text translated to English) (AAC experience, personal narrative) personal account of using a communication board (ALPHABET BOARD, SCHOOL BUS); young readers

 

Subhojit Sen (Age 18) “The Priest and his Three Tigers” (text translated to English) (Adventure) story of a priest with magical powers (TIGERS, NET, ROPE); young readers 

 

Italy

 

Silvia Cremonesi (Age 18) "A TE" (pictographs and text); (poem) poem about friends (HANDS CLASPED), young readers, teens

 

Sasko Nikolov (Age 17) "IL SOGNO DI SASKO" (PowerPoint slide show with pictographs and text; photo of author); (Adventure, AAC experience) story about an overnight visit from a playful bunny (BUNNY, SOFT FURRY FABRIC, BED, STARS, VEGETABLE GARDEN, OPEN WINDOW); young readers

 

Martina Turrini (Age 14) "Invento Una Storia" (pictographs); pictographic story about fishing (FISH); young readers

 

Gervasint Valeria (Age 33) “LA VOCE DELLO SGUARDO” (text with photos of the author) (personal narrative, AAC experience) author's account of her life  using her eyes to communicate, including her  struggle to get educators to recognize her communication (EYES; EYE GAZE BOARD; IMAGES OF LAKE, MARSH, RIVER, SEA); teens, adults

 

 

Ireland

 

Orlaith Mangan (Age 12) "Going to Secondary School!" (text; includes key words list at end) (personal narrative, AAC experience) personal account of using AAC by a girl preparing to go to secondary school  (GIRL GUIDES, BOOK); young readers

 

Danny Millar (Age 7) "Vandal Attack"  (text) (Adventure, AAC experience) story about a boy who uses AAC to report on vandals (PHONE BOX, KARATE WHITE BELT, POLICE CAR), young readers

 

South Africa   

 

Paul Burdett (Age 39) "MEDICAL BLUNDER OF NOTE - A TRUE STORY" (text with photo of author) (personal narrative, AAC experience) personal account of an incident in which medical personnel did not understand an AAC user's communication (ELECTRIC SCOOTER, BEACH, INJECTION, HOSPITAL); teens, adults

 

Sam Byrne (Age 11) "The Strange Kangaroo" (text with photos of the author, classmates, writing process, and a kangaroo) (Adventure, AAC experience) story about a boy who travels to Australia and encounters a talking kangaroo (KANGAROO, LIONS), young readers

 

Melissa Gevers, (Age 22) "Stupid: In 26 Letters" (text); (personal narrative with photo of the author, AAC experience) poem about feelings when unable to communicate  (ABC, ALPHABET BOARD) teens, adults

 

Matthew Jonck (Age 8) "The Monster Named Skweegy" (pictographs with text) (Adventure) adventure story about a scary monster in a dream (GREEN EYED MONSTER, BED); young readers

 

Zach Joubert (Age 37) "Adventure on Oppikoppi" (text) (AAC experience) personal account of a young man who uses AAC traveling to a festival and having problems finding his friends once he arrives  (TENT, CELL PHONE, ALPHABET BOARD); teens, adults 

 

France Mgenge (Age 19) "The Evil Man" (text) (Adventure) story about three brothers who enter a dark scary house (BIKES, OLD HOUSE); young readers

 

Dan Ngcobo, (Age 24) "Friends" (text with photo of author) (AAC experience) story of a man talking with his friend about how he uses AAC to help with his difficulty speaking (COMPUTER, CELL PHONE); teens, adults;  and "The Ngubane Family" (text) (AAC experience) story of a boy with a disability who wishes to go to school; his sister finds a way to help him with his wish (LAPTOP COMPUTER); young readers, teens

 

Martin Pistorius (age 32) "Tshepo and Sam" (text) (AAC experience) story about a boy who uses AAC and makes friends with a gorilla named Sam at the zoo (COMMUNICATION BOARD, TALKING MACHINE/SPEECH DEVICE, GORILLA); young readers

 

Sindy Rebola (Age 35) painting (picture) painting of four cats; all ages

 

Lebogang Sehako (Age 29) "Communication Device" (text) (AAC experience) poem about the importance of a communication device and how much it helps (WRITING, FRIENDS, LAPTOP COMPUTER); young readers, teens, adults

 

Hamilton Seolwane (Age 15) "Hamilton Makes Friends" (Power Point story in photos, pictographs, text) (AAC experience, personal narrative) story about making friends at school; (SOCCER BALL, MATH PROBLEMS) young readers, teens, adults

 

Darren van Zyl (Age 17) and Kivashin Pillay  (Age 16) "Best Friends" (text with photo of authors) (personal narrative, AAC experience) two friends talk about things they like (COOKING UTENSILS, GARDENING TOOLS, RUGBY, SOCCER, CAT, WORKSHOP TOOLS, HORSE) young readers, teens

  

 

Spain

 

Ramón Jesús Pérez Julián (AGE 44) "Una experiencia con el Bliss, sistema de comunicación en mi vida"  en Español (text) (AAC experience, personal narrative) personal account of using AAC with friends and during law school studies (HEAD POINTER, PAINTING, BLISS SYMBOL SYSTEM, UNIVERSITY, LAW BOOK); teens, adults

 

 

United Kingdom

Ashley Baxter (age 23) "The Big Fight" (Text with photos of 2 friends (rivals?) and the guy they both fancy - Shayne Ward). (CURRY, INDIAN RESTAURANT, HEART, ROSES, FUNFAIR) Music/Sound: 2 Shayne Ward songs - ‘If that’s OK with you’ and ‘Breathless’; Teens.

Robert Brown (Age 15) "999 Story" (text); The story recalls a true incident that happened to Robert when on holiday in Wales. At the time, he did not have his Vantage communication aid and was unable to make a stranger understand him. (WHEELCHAIR, WHEEL, GRAVEL, POLICE, SIREN, BLUE LIGHT). Teens.

Brent Butson (Age 16) "My Life In a Wheelchair" (Text); Brent goes to watch his sister curl, but she has to carry him up lots of stairs when they find the club is not accessible. (WHEELCHAIR, CURLING, LOTS OF STAIRS, NO ACCESS). All ages.

Nicholas Dallinson (age 8) Caitlyn Bagshaw (age 7) Ryan Kelly (age 10) Louisa Staniforth (age 8) "Sally and Ben Play hide and seek" (Text with lots of photos); The students hid the bears around the school garden and described what they thought the bears were up to, using sentences with pronouns and tenses, and repeating phrases. (TEDDY BEARS, TREE, FISHING ROD, FROG, PLAYHOUSE, CATERPILLAR, SHED). Young readers and older learners.

John Dunn, 14, Anisha Patel, 19, George Thrower, 16, Tirath Bhojani, 12, Bridie Gutteridge, 12  "My Favorite Party" (Symbolised text and pictographs in PDF); Each of the 5 authors creates their own version of ‘My Favourite Party’ by making choices from a template story. (PARTY HAT, BALLOON, FOOD, PETS, PARROT). Young readers and older learners.

Lisa-Marie Eastwood (Age 14) "The Play" (screenshots of symbolised text, photo of author); A girl who uses AAC writes a play for her class. The ‘leading lady’ gets sick with stage fright, and the girl gets to play lead in her own play, and does a brilliant job! (DRAMA, PLAY, LIGHTS, FUNNY, HOLIDAY, SPANISH FLAG, 6’O’CLOCK, SICK/SCARED, ACTRESS, BOUQUET, KISS). Young readers, teens.

Chris George (Age 21) "Cool" (Text, with photo of author); (AAC experience); Chris tells how he helps new Tobii users by uploading videos to mytobiicommunity, and how good he feels when a young new user feeds back that his video upload is ‘COOL’. ( ). All ages.

Robert Gillham."Wizard Bob’s Day Out" (PowerPoint with lots of pictures and some sounds). Robert chose the direction of the story - he was offered 2 possible characters, 2 modes of transport, 2 places to visit etc, decided who the story should be about and what should happen. A multi-sensory approach was used - touching objects, exploring textures, listening to sounds and tasting witch’s brew! (WIZARD, WIZARD’S HAT, MAGIC BOOK, WAND, HORSE, BEACH, WOODS, SEA, SAND, SHELLS, JEWELS, CAVE, HOUSE, PIRATE, WITCH, WITCH’S BREW, WITCH’S STEW). Story could be customized for re-telling with different answers to the questions. Young readers and older learners.

Declan Gould, Jake Ward, Daniel Hardman, Connor Whitehouse, Daniel Woodhead, Sarah Parker (Ages 10-14) "A Year in the Life" (Text with lots of photos); The students describe the highlights of their year. (BUTTERFLY, LIZARD, SNAKE, TURKEY, COFFEE, CAKES, RAFFLE TICKET, TIGER, MONEY, SEEDS, SEED TRAY, FLOWERS, BABY, SOCKS, PINK BIB, PARTY FOOD, DANCE, COMMUNICATION AIDS). Young readers and older learners.

Pranav Iyer (Age 15) "A journey called confidence" (Text with photos); (AAC Experience); Jim finds it hard to speak in public when everyone stares at his communication aid. He even comes back from the buffet with nothing on his plate. His family and friends give him lots of practice at speaking to groups of people; friends and family first, and then strangers, and next time he is at the restaurant he comes back from the buffet with a full plate! (WHEELCHAIR, DYNAVOX, SPRING ROLLS, INDIAN RESTAURANT, BUFFET, PUBLIC SPEAKING, BRAVE); All ages.

Jake Edward Storm Lee & his Mum (Age 5) "Puzzles" (Poem); (text with photo border); Poem about jigsaws, inspired by Jake’s love of jigsaws. (JIGSAW PIECES). Young readers.

Sean Lucas (Age 7) "MI6 Rescue"  YOUTH WINNER (Text. PowerPoint also available); This adventure story was read aloud at the ISAAC Conference in Montreal by Josh and Caleb Hurd on their Pathfinders. Their brother Wesley made a PowerPoint version of the story to show at the reading. Michael Reed used his Pathfinder to introduce the readers and read out a brief bio that Sean had submitted with his story. (AEROPLANE, BOAT, MAP, MI6, WHEELCHAIR, ROBOT SOLDIER, MOTORBIKE, AMBULANCE, LORRY, HELICOPTER, TANK, GUN, MOUNTAIN, SEA, PRISON, HOSPITAL, SUBMARINE, POLICE, MERCURY COMMUNICATION AID, COMMUNICATION BOOK, TOPIC PAGES, STORY PAGES, ALPHABET PAGE); For boys of all ages and those who read with them.

Helen Machen (Age 42) "The Magic School Door" (Text); Story with poem; A strange thing happened to Daisy on her way into the kitchen – she found herself at school, 35 years ago! (TV, KETTLE, CUP, SATCHEL, DESK, PEN, TWINS, DREAM); All ages.

Shuaib Mahmood (Age 14) “Communication Aid Poem” (Text); Rhyming poem about a young boy’s relationships with his AAC Aid and his family; (SAY IT SAM, CO-Writer, COMMUNICAITON AID, FIGHT, LOVE, FUNNY, BISCUIT TIN); Young readers and teens.

Alan Martin (Age 44) “Secrets" (Text); (AAC Experience and Fiction); A long time ago the school gardener told Joe a big secret.  When Joe’s friends buy him an AAC Aid he remembers the secret and tells the teacher and gardener to start digging! (SCHOOL GARDEN, GARDENER, WHEELCHAIR, FOOTBALL, LIVERPOOL T SHIRT, RED, COLLECTION TIN, MONEY, SPADE, MUD, TREASURE CHEST, TREASURE, COMMUNICATION AIDS, REWARD, LIVERPOOL SEASON TICKET, LAWNMOWER); All ages.

Beth Moulam, (Age 14) "Just Talking" (Text with one picture – illustration by Mel Smith); The main character seems to be just like everyone else, with feelings and thoughts.  It isn’t until the end you find out she happens to use AAC and a wheelchair. (TV, HOMEWORK, SUN, BUCKET, CAR, COOKIE, CRUMBS, DOG, WHEELCHAIR, LIGHTWRITER COMMUNICAITON AID, FAMILY); All ages.

Matthew Poulton (Age 15) "Matthew Wants a Wedding" (Text with photos); Ralph is in love with Katie and plans his wedding and honeymoon, including making a video of the wedding on his Tellus communication aid. (RESTAURANT, YOGHURT, BEER, THEATRE, OLIVER, WEDDING OUTFITS, BIG RED CAR, BLUE CAR, BALLOONS, PARTY HATS, DISCO, DANCE, BEACH); Young readers and teens.

Michael Reed (Age 18), Robert McNicholas (Age 18), Sam Grimes (Age 18), Jake Edward Storm Lee (Age 5), Gemma Coils (Age 19), Andrew Murray (Age 16), "Piggy's AAC Phone" (PowerPoint with navigation buttons and lots of pictures, version with audio narration also available); (AAC solution) Queen Piggy thinks text messaging is too slow. Her cleaner helps her do it faster with his AAC Aid, and they put the top core words on her phone. Slide 15 shows the top 77 core words, could be used as a communication board. (MOBILE PHONE, PIG, WOLF, FILING CABINET, VACUUM, AAC AID, CORE WORDS COMMUNICATION BOARD, HEART, MUSICAL NOTE, SONG, LAW, MUSIC: A Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles); All ages - anyone interested in core words and AAC.

Michael Reed (Age 18), Robert McNicholas (Age 18), Sam Grimes (Age 18), Jake Edward Storm Lee (Age 5), Gemma Coils (Age 19), Andrew Murray (Age 16), "The Winning Ticket" (PowerPoint with navigation buttons and lots of pictures. Version with audio narration also available); The students are sad that they can’t talk to each other because they are not taught AAC, language, reading or writing. They make some eye-gaze frames for their friends, with good results! Slide 5 shows the most important word parts - Letters, Initial Blends, Long Vowels & Rimes (word endings). Slide 8 is a Word Wall with the 77 top core words. Slides 10-18 show the core words with symbols on eye-gaze frames. (LOTTERY TICKET, RADIATOR, VACUUM, JANITOR, EYE-GAZE FRAME, WORD WALL, WORD PARTS, CORE WORDS COMMUNICATION BOARD). All ages, anyone interested in core language and AAC.

Oliver Refuerzo, David Sanderson, Matthew Chamberlain, Ben Hartley and Craig Smith, (Ages 20) "The Fire" (Text with clipart); Rick doesn’t hear the fire alarm as he is deaf, and not in the classroom when it goes off, but his friend uses AAC symbols to explain and lead him to safety. (FIRE, FIRE ALARM, FIRE ENGINE, SMOKE, COMMUNICATION BOARD). Teens.

Barry Smith (Age  29) "We Have a Voice" (Text); Personal essay about how AAC and technology can open up the world of communication for disabled people, and how the general lack of knowledge of AAC in the public could be improved to consider the needs of people who communicate with AAC. (LIGHTWRITER, WHEELCHAIR, PERSON PATTING DISABLED PERSON ON THE HEAD, MEETING, CLOCK, TV, INTERNET, COMMUNICATION AID HOOKED UP TO COMPUTER); Teens and adults.

Alexandra Upton, 16, Callum Gooding, 15, Ellis Jones, 16, Krishna Magan, 13, "The Lost Class" (PowerPoint with photos of the students in the story, and sound files to ‘read’ the story out). Lost Class, Lost Class 2 and Lost Class 3 are all one story, submitted in three parts due to file size. (MIXING BOWL, FOOD MIXER, FOOTBALL, KEYBOARD, LAPTOP, HAIRDRYER, CHEERLEADER SHAKERS, MIC, AAC AIDS). Young readers and teens.

 

 

 

United States of America

 

Luca AbiChedid (Age 9): "I won the pie-eating contest" (text); (AAC experience); author’s account of participating in a pie-eating contest and how he is cheered on by his brother; (PIE); young readers. 

 

Kerri Adamic (Age 47), Daniel Cohen (Age 15), Isabella Requena:  (Age 14), Kristen Kakuda (Age 10):  "Poems by the AAC Book Club" (Powerpoint storybook with photos, illustrations and text); (poetry, personal narratives, AAC experiences); five individual poems and one group poem recounting authors’ likes, feelings, hobbies and/or experiences communicating with assistive technology devices; (PIZZA, BUS, SPORTS, FAMILY, FEET), all ages.

 

Ivan Alzate (Age 6): "Using a Talker" (text); (AAC experience); story about child who uses his communication device to ask for something he needed; (BANDAGES), young readers.

Rebecca Barbush (Age 26): "Playtime is for Everyone" (text); (AAC experience); two elementary aged boys from the same school meet in a doctor’s waiting room.  Though one child communicates with his voice and the other with signs, gestures, and an AAC device, they learn that they have more in common than they initially thought; (DOCTOR OFFICE BEAD GAME), all ages.

Tyler Bartlett (Age 11): "Not All in One Day" (text, symbols, photo); (AAC experience); A young boy earns money to purchase a new laptop computer by helping his speech therapist teach a new student the icons associated with Minspeak; (MINSPEAK ICON ACTION MAN, RAINBOW, TRUCK, APPLE), all ages.

Susan Barton (Age 33): "Annie, Wake Up!" (text);(AAC experience); A woman uses her AAC device and voice to wake up her sleepy dog, Annie; (DOG), all ages.

Larry Biondi,  "Shut Up, Shot Down" (text); (AAC experience); A man illustrates the difficulties of an adult AAC user in our society. Through personal experiences, the author details his interactions with the public, who, because they don’t understand him, are often afraid of him; (POLICE, MAP), teens and adults.

Erin Blasé (Age 18) "How My Communication Device Changed My Life" (text, photo); (AAC experience); A young woman recounts her experiences with communicating before and after she obtained an AAC device; (POP, M&Ms, DOLLAR), all ages.

Snoopi Botten (Age 43): "One Voice" (text); (AAC experience); A man shares his struggle to voice his opinions and thoughts at school prior to obtaining an AAC device.  He recounts both the power of using a communication device, and his struggle to have his AAC voice carry the same authority and weight of an innate voice. Teens and adults.

Sam Buswell (Age 17):"Taffy the Dog Goes on an Airplane Trip" ;(text, photos); (Adventure); A teenager recounts the true story of his cousins’ dog, Taffy, on board an international flight; (DOG, AIRPLANE), young readers and teens.

Carl Fjetland (Age 46): "Carl's Story"; (text); (AAC experience); A man tells how his communication device allows him to joke, share his feelings, and be understood; (SPONGE BOB), all ages.

Gompers Habilitation Center Adult AAC Group "Allison's Request"; (symbols, text); (AAC experience); A woman goes to the mall to purchase a dress, using her communication device.  At first, she is frustrated by the cashier’s reaction to the device. (DRESS); all ages

Jenell Gordon (Age 42): "Technology Gives me a Voice"; (text); (AAC Experience); The author shares his journey from age 27 years old when he faced the prospect of brain surgery.  He details his experiences and how the use of his communication device has allowed him to regain his voice and teach others, teens and adults.

Max Grange (Age 21): "The Launching Couch" (text, illustration); (Adventure); A girl and her dogs travel to a magical land on the other side of the rainbow.  They have adventures and meet a character who uses an AAC device to speak to them. (DOG, RAINBOW, TRAIN); Young readers and teens.

Karastina Hafner (Age 20): "Graduation Social Story" (text); (Personal Narrative); A young woman contemplates growing up and her 21st birthday. (HOUSE); Teens and Adults.

Sue Hankins (Age 56): "Hard Work Pays off" (text); (AAC Experience); The author narrates her life experiences from elementary school to the present, focusing on how AAC has impacted her life and how she has been able to realize her dreams. All ages.

Ben Hayes (Age 8): "Moon Talkers" (text); (Adventure); Three friends from the moon go to earth and meet a friend named Alex.  All four children use AAC devices. Young Readers

Joe Hemphill (Age 64): "Jimmy and the Talking Machine"; (text) (AAC Experience); A young boy has an idea of how to meet new friends in the neighborhood, and implements his idea with the use of an AAC device. (GAS STATION, BICYCLE); young readers, teens

Bryan Holm (Age 16): Story; (text) (AAC Experience); A teenager uses his AAC device to communicate his interests and to tell jokes to his friends. (SHARK, FISH ) young readers, teens

Min Hunt–Neu (Age 7): "Using a Talker"; (text) (AAC Experience); A young boy’s can communicate his needs with his talker. Young readers.

Carrie Kilbourne (Age 31): Poem; (text, photo) (Poem, AAC Experience); A young woman’s poem about her AAC device and the curiousity it triggers in others. (HORSE); all ages

Sharisa Joy Kochmeister (Age 29): "Three Wishes for Princess Sharisa Joy"; (text); (Adventure, AAC Experience); Princess Sharisa Joy is trapped in a dungeon in a bleak land ruled by a terrible witch named, “Autisma”.  Princess Sharisa Joy makes an unselfish wish. (KNIGHT, CASTLE, WITCH); older children, teens, and adults.

Edward Lambrecht (Age 27): "Profile of a U.S. Marine"; (text); (Adventure); The author describes the life of a U.S. Marine that he admires, reminding the reader of the sacrifices made by individuals in the US Armed Forces. (MARINE); all ages

Alex Layton (Age 17): "The 1949 Jeep"; (text); (Poem); The poet uses his talker to recite and author his poem; all ages.

Lateef McLeod  (Age 27): "Best Friend"; (text); (AAC experience); Two young boys meet at school.  One boy uses an AAC device and the other child has never seen a device before.  All ages.

Jackson Murtha (Age 24): "A Wizard In 1970"; (text, illustrations); (Adventure); A wizard goes back in time and meets two pandas. Adventures follow. (PANDA, SAND, WIZARD); young readers through teens.

Toni Parago (Age 34) : "My Special Ladies"; (text, photos); (Personal Narrative); The author talks about all the women in her life who help her; all ages

Sara Perkins (Age 34) Story; (text); (AAC Experience); Author expresses the things that her communication device helps her to accomplish; (BINGO, CHECKERS, CHURCH); all ages.

Daniel Rogers (Age 7) "Friends"; (text, symbols); (poem); A poem about the things friends share. (young readers)

Bob Segalman, Ph.D. (Age 65) "Bringing Telephone Access to AAC Users"; (text); (AAC Experience); The author details a plan of how AAC users could access telephone service through their AAC device. (TELEPHONE); adults

Maggie Serda (Age 28) Story; (text); (AAC Experience); The author expresses the ways that her AAC device assists her communication and organization capabilities. (all ages)

Gilbert Steve (Age 51) Story; (text); (AAC Experience); The author tells of his hobbies and his family, and his satisfaction of being able to communicate with his siblings with his AAC device. (all ages)

Timothy Thielen (Age 44) Story; (text); (AAC Experience); The author talks about how his AAC device has impacted his life. (all ages)

Valley of the Sun School  "When is Your Birthday"; (text); (poem);  A collaborative group of authors talk about birthdays and wonderful foods to eat.  Written in English and Spanish. (BANANAS, STRAWBERRIES, APPLES); all ages.

Allison Ventura (Age 5) "Using a Talker"; (text); (AAC Experience); The author uses an AAC device to communicate, and is happy with the results. (ELEPHANT); young readers

 

Nick Warfle (Age 10): "My Other Voice: A True Story; (text, writing with symbols); (AAC Experience, Personal Narrative); The author shares his favorite things to do, and how he can communicate with his AAC device. Young Readers, teens.

Lora White "Lora's Story"; (text); (Personal Narrative); The author talks about her family, her hobbies, and interests. All ages.

Samantha Whitman (Age 19) "The Princess and the Space Bat"; (text, illustrations); (Adventure); A tale about a princess who meets a bat from outer space and their friendship. (PRINCESS, BAT, RING);Young Readers, teens.

Dylan Wilson (Age 8) "Using a Talker"; (text);(AAC Experience); The girl in the story uses an AAC device to successfully express herself.  All ages.

Julie Wolf (Age 43); Story; (text);(AAC Experience); The author details how her AAC device helps her communicate. All ages.

Tom Younkerman (Age 56) "Carey Talks"; A story about an elementary aged child and how her AAC device helps her participate in her classroom; (SCHOOL); young readers and teens.

Leslie Zelaya (Age 8); "Using a Talker"; (text); (AAC Experience); The character in the story uses an AAC device to communicate with her mother.  She is happy with the results. (DOLL); young readers