AAC Myths, Videos & Weblinks

AAC Myths

• U.S. Department of Education: Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services Document
  
• Tobii Dynavox: Myths and Research
• Cough drop Blog: 6 Common Misconceptions of AAC
• Research article - Dispelling Myths Surrounding AAC Use for Children: Recommendations for Professionals

AAC videos

• Ways to Communicate
  An Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
• How many ways are there to communicate?
  'Collage' showing a number of people using different forms of AAC.
• A Right to Communicate
  Made by the Communication Friends Group in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
• Call Me Maybe - AAC
  A fun (and catchy!) video made by 2012 Edinburgh SLT Graduates to raise awareness of AAC.
• The Power of Communication (AAC)
  An introduction to AAC and AAC users, made by UK charity Communication Matters.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
  From Austria, an insight into using digital media for augmentative and alternative communication.
• What was it like to be voiceless and use AAC for the day?
  10 year old Emma talks about her experience of using an AAC device at school.
• Maya Finds Her Voice
  A unique AAC 'history' following a young girl's communication and AAC development.
• Beth - What I like and dislike about using AAC
  AAC Role Model Beth Moulam.
• Voice by Choice sketch by comedian Lee Ridley
  This is Lost Voice Guy's now famous 'speed dating scene', when all the participants turn out to have the same voice
• How to speak when you don't have a voice
  Excellent 5 minute animated video from the BBC Ideas web site, describing the main features of electronic communication aids.�

AAC web links

• CALL Scotland
  our own CALL Scotland website with links to a number of 'sister' mini-sites, such as 'The Scottish Voice' and 'Personal Communication Passports'.
• IPAACKS: Informing and Profiling Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Knowledge and Skills
  IPAACKS is a profiling tool and framework for workers in health, education, social care, and third sectors, to identify knowledge, skills, values and commitments required to support children, young people and adults who use AAC. It can be used to affirm workers existing competences, identify gaps and inform learning and development needs of individual workers or workforce groups. Commissioned by NHS Education for Scotland as part of the 'A Right to Speak' initiative and compiled by Janet Scott of SCTCI, Glasgow (February 2014).
• Manchester Metropolitan University - AAC Assessment Modules
  AAC Assessment Modules geared at workers who need to know about Assessment/Review in relation to AAC.
• Augmentative Communication in Practice: Scotland
  This is where you'll find out about local AAC contacts and events in Scotland.
• Talk Sense
  A treasure-trove of AAC wisdom, ideas and resources from UK AAC specialist Tony Jones.
• Now Hear Me
  Provides signposting information for the public, people who use AAC. Developed as part of the NHS Education for Scotland project to deliver on the recommendations made in a "A Right to Speak".
• Communication Matters (CM)
  UK-wide organisation committed to supporting people of all ages who find communication difficult because they have little or no clear speech. Includes an online AAC discussion forum.
• Communication Matters: AAC Evidence Base
  Searchable database of AAC research publications, plain language summaries, case studies, FAQs, Factsheets, glossary of terms and links.
• PrAACtical AAC
  A daily blog from Carol Zangari, Professor of SLT and AAC specialist in the USA. Carol also posts invited contributions from AAC experts from around the world.
• Jane Farrall's Blog
  Australian AAC superstar Jane Farrall posts interesting and valuable AAC News, resources, thoughts, & ideas. Also find the world-beating list of AAC Apps, and switch Apps.
• Ian Bean
  Former teacher and ICT coordinator at Priory Woods School and now Independent Special Needs ICT consultant and trainer specialising in the use of ICT and assistive technology.
• Teaching Learners with Multiple Needs
  A fabulous resources and ideas for teachers of learners with severe, profound, intensive, significant, complex or multiple special needs, incorporating blogs and 'permaposts' of past blogs.
• AAC Intervention
  US AAC guru Caroline Musselwhite's web site - though not regularly updated.
• AAC girls
  AAC Girls is a 'sister' blog to the AAC Intervention site from guru Caroline Musselwhite and AAC friends. Emphasis on literacy issues for people who use AAC.