October is International AAC Awareness Month

For people with various disabilities which make speech difficult, including cerebral palsy, autism, Parkinson's Disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and others, the key to effective communication is "Augmentative and Alternative Communication", or AAC for short. AAC refers to methods that make communication easier for people who find it hard to communicate by speech. These methods include electronic talking aids, computers, books and boards with pictures, letters, words, or phrases, and sign language. AAC can help people to communicate more effectively at any time, in any place, with anyone, and about anything.

Unfortunately, many people who need AAC do not get the training and assistance that they need to use AAC everywhere in their daily lives. Many times families, friends, and teachers are not familiar with AAC or mistakenly assume that the person cannot benefit. As a result, people with limited or no speech may spend many days or years unable to communicate their needs, feelings, hopes and dreams.

Resources that can help:
ABLE Tech offers an assistive technology resale & recycle program as well as help with device financing.
Toll Free: (888) 885-5588
Website: http://okabletech.okstate.edu/

Assistive Technology Training Online Project
Provides internet-based training in both general and specific areas of adapted computer use. Focuses on technology that addresses the needs of students with disabilities in elementary classrooms.
http://atto.buffalo.edu/

The Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center for Oklahoma Public Schools offers a full range of services, including: comprehensive assessment, consultation, custom fabrication and modification of assistive technology devices, assistance with identifying funding sources, training, and augmentative communication and computer access labs.
Toll free: 1-800-700-OATC (6282)
Website: http://www.theoatc.org/ATOSDE_services.asp

Rehab Tool's Free Search Service
Assistive technology specialists will conduct personalized product searches, recommend appropriate solutions, and send you relevant links and references to the products that best meet your needs and requirements.
http://www.rehabtool.com/search.html

Technical Assistance Manual for Using Assistive technology in the public schools
http://sde.state.ok.us/Curriculum/SpecEd/Forms.html