While technology helps countless professionals improve their career prospects, people with disabilities can benefit even more. Whether ..read more

October is AAC Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding of AAC across the globe. At Forbes AAC, we believe that ..read more

Thanks to the work of Dr. Karen Erickson and Dr. David Koppenhaver in their book “Comprehensive Literacy for All”, the importance of ..read more

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) stands as a pillar of innovation and accessibility in inclusive education. When UDL principles and ..read more

The impact of speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) work can be transformative of the lives of individuals who have complex communication ..read more

Play is a powerful and often under appreciated tool in language development. For children with complex communication needs, the importance of play is magnified in the AAC implementation process. Accessible toys play a vital role in this process, providing children with the means to engage, interact, and communicate effectively. Play, combined with the right tools and AAC implementation strategies, can significantly enhance functional language and communication skills for those with complex communication needs. Play is essential for language development. Through play, children learn to unders ..read more

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and patriotic fun. For individuals with complex communication needs, it is essential to ensure that they can fully engage in the festivities. Here are some festive AAC implementation activities to make the Fourth of July memorable for everyone. Activity 1: Patriotic Story Time Storytelling is a wonderful way to engage those with complex communication needs. Choose a selection of Fourth of July-themed books or create a simple story about Independence Day. Use the AAC device to introduce new ..read more

As the summer begins, it is essential to ensure that individuals with complex communication needs continue to have opportunities for fostering their communication and language skills. AAC implementation activities can be both fun and beneficial, fostering skills in natural and engaging contexts. In fact, ASHA designates naturalistic environments as the optimal location for AAC implementation efforts to take place in to maximize generalization and functional use of the AAC system (ASHA, n.d.). You cannot get a more natural environment than the summery outdoors! Goals and activities that have ..read more

May is a time to shine a spotlight on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to recognize the challenges faced by those who have ALS, as well as an opportunity to highlight the role of innovative technologies in optimizing their autonomy and quality of life. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to muscle weakness and loss of control of body parts and functions, including the ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe (The ALS Association, n.d.). AAC, voice ..read more

In a world where communication is paramount to everyday life, society must have basic awareness and understanding of hearing and speech disorders. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is observed each May to increase awareness of all communication disorders (ASHA, n.d.-b). This year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) made a significant announcement that has shifted the way Better Hearing and Speech Month is perceived and observed. Traditionally known as Better Hearing and Speech Month, ASHA decided to rename the month to “National Speech-Language-Hearing Month." Thi ..read more