International AAC Awareness Month
Facilitating expression for those with unique voices, empowering communication, and unlocking a world of connection and understanding for all.
Position your AAC technology, special education services, or accessibility solutions as enablers of inclusive communication during October awareness month.
- Behind every voice: stories of people using AAC to connect with loved ones
- 5 ways educators can support AAC users in the classroom
- The tech innovators building communication tools for everyone
- How to be an AAC ally: a guide for families and friends
The inaugural International AAC Awareness Month was celebrated in 2007 when it was founded with the support of several organizations including the United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSACC), the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISACC), and other partners.
The purpose of this event is to use the time during the month to raise awareness, inform, educate, and garner support around the topic of communication that is unique and different from the status quo. For instance, many people don’t realize that AAC is any sort of alternative form of communication other than talking. This might include sign language, gestures, body postures, facial expression or aided modes like tablets or communication devices.
Each year, the team at International AAC Awareness Month provides a theme around which topics of discussion and teaching can be built. Some of the themes for this month in the past have included:
Raise Awareness for AAC Month
Those who feel connected to or passionate about AAC can spend time during this month letting others know about this unique element of communication and how they can be supportive. Whether arranging a learning event at a school, hosting an educational seminar at a university or just sharing on social media, anytime people are more informed, that’s a step in the right direction for International AAC Awareness Month!
Support Someone with AAC
This could manifest itself in a variety of ways, from volunteering to help with children who have special needs to becoming a special education teacher, and so much more. Some people might even feel compelled to work as engineers on projects that will help people with disabilities to better communicate with the use of technology.