What is augmentative & alternative communication(AAC)?
- Augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) refers to the various ways individuals who cannot speak may communicate their ideas. Some individuals may be unable to speak from birth due to a disability such as cerebral palsy. Others may become unable to speak later in life due to brain injuries from car accidents or strokes. They may use various combinations of alternate methods of communication such as displays with pictures, alphabet or words, gestures, sign language, computers and talking devices. AAC also refers to strategies used to assist people with writing when handwriting is not possible because of physical limitations.
- Even though individuals may be unable to speak, they participate actively in life through the use of AAC strategies. They play games with friends using a picture/word display; they love using the phone through a talking computer; or write letters and send e-mail messages using an adapted computer.
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Why is AAC important?
- With AAC, people who cannot speak are still independent in the community. Children go to school and participate. Adults do meaningful work. They make their own choices. AAC allows them to express their wishes and feelings and control their lives. AAC gives individuals opportunities, which many of us take for granted: social interaction, intimate expression, communicating effectively in an emergency.
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What is ISAAC?
- ISAAC stands for the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. The international organization’s aim is to make people aware of the potential that augmentative communication has to change the lives of individuals around the world who are unable to speak. Another goal is to find new approaches and technologies to help people communicate in different ways.
- ISAAC makes it possible to exchange information internationally (www.ISAAC-online.org). ISAAC provides education opportunities, promotes research and publishes a scientific journal as well as an online information exchange. Every two years it coordinates an international conference on AAC.
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What then is ISAAC Canada??
- ISAAC Canada is one of several national Chapters representing many countries around the world that participate in the international organization’s goals. Canadians have played a major role in the formation and ongoing leadership of ISAAC. The Canadian chapter has members from across Canada. Membership includes people who use AAC and their families, students, professionals, retired professionals, and manufacturers.
- Additional benefits for people who use AAC, institutions and corporate members
- Discounted prices for ISAAC products
- Articles from across the world, information of value to anyone involved with AAC, links to useful sites worldwide, educational opportunities and network contacts posted on the international website. Members have exclusive access to the society news and archives of previously posted information.
- Discounted registration costs for the ISAAC Biennial conference and other sponsored conferences across Canada, and other ISAAC chapters
- Biannual issues of the Canadian newsletter (Figuratively Speaking)
- Discounted rates for subscription to the Journal of AAC and affiliated publications
- Eligibility to apply for ISAAC awards and scholarships
- An annual Membership Directory. This is the best reference available for people in the field of AAC.
- To make membership available for as many people as possible, ISAAC, together with ISAAC Canada keeps membership fees low. Benefits of membership include:
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What does ISAAC Canada do?
- As the Canadian Chapter, ISAAC Canada:
- Provides a forum for Canadians who use AAC and professionals. Maintains on-going communication with all members. Publishes a Canadian newsletter.
- Provides support to developing areas internationally.
- Works toward ensuring that public and private funding for people who use AAC is sufficient to meet their communicative needs.
- Provides education and information to local, provincial and federal governments within Canada regarding issues related to individuals who have little or no functional speech and/or writing.
- Provides education to the public-at-large on the needs and benefits of reducing barriers and increasing opportunities for people who have little or no functional speech and/or writing.
- As the Canadian Chapter, ISAAC Canada:
- Provides education and information to local, provincial and federal governments within Canada regarding issues related to individuals who have little or no functional speech and/or writing.
- Provides education to the public-at-large on the needs and benefits of reducing barriers and increasing opportunities for people who have little or no functional speech and/or writing.
- Works toward ensuring that public and private funding for people who use AAC is sufficient to meet their communicative needs.
- Provides a forum for Canadians who use AAC and professionals. Maintains on-going communication with all members. Publishes a Canadian newsletter.
- Provides support to developing areas internationally.
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Communication is the essence of human life.
- Investing in ISAAC Canada and its activities will open doors for the growing number of Canadians who use augmentative and alternative communication.
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