Embedded Files
How Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Increases Accessibility in Working and Learning Environments
This Interactive Resource has been developed by M.Ed Candidates
Paa Boateng, Annabel Emore, Dawn Lemanis and Karen A. Timm
EDUC5507G Accessible Learning with Technology
Instructor: Professor Rob Power
Submitted July 8, 2024
Land Acknowledgement Statement
Land Acknowledgement Statement
Ontario Tech University acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. We are thankful to be welcomed on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered under the Williams Treaties and the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to a number of Indigenous nations and people.
We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we remember the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.
This history is something we are all affected by as we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.
Ensuring Communication Accessibility with AAC
Ensuring Communication Accessibility with AAC
How Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Increases Accessibility in Working and Learning Environments
How Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Increases Accessibility in Working and Learning Environments
This resource will provide:
An overview of Augmentative and Alternative Communication: living history of AAC, key terminology, and an overview of some AAC tools and how they can be used
An overview of the accessibility barriers that AAC tools can be used to overcome, and how AAC can help facilitate accessible learning.
A discussion of potential accessibility issues which may arise when AAC Tools are used and how to mitigate these
Instructional ideas which integrate AAC (and related resources) in order to promote accessible learning and mitigate accessibility barriers.
Navigating This Resource
Navigating This Resource
Autistic Advocate and founder of the Zekwande Foundation, Zekwande Mathenjwa is seated at a table pointing at his letterboard.
This section provides a living history of AAC, introduces important terminology and provides an overview of some AAC devices and supports and how they are used.
Autistic Advocate Jordyn Zimmerman is pictured and quoted, "When I could not effectively communicate, there were a lot of assumptions made about me. Once I was able to communicate via iPad, I was able to debunk those myths and direct my own life."
This section explains accessibility barriers faced by Non-Speakers, Partial speakers and those for whom speech is unreliable, and illustrates how AAC can be leveraged to ensure everyone has access to their preferred and/or essential form of communication.
"...I resent the fact [of] how hard I have to fight to claim space for myself. In the future, I don't want any disabled person to have to hustle and fight so hard just to get their basic needs met." - Alice Wong
This section discusses potential accessibility issues for AAC users and how to mitigate these barriers.
Tiffany Hammond, an Autistic mother of two Autistic boys, an advocate, and a storyteller wrote "A Day With No Words" to help guide others on the journey to understand the perspectives and experiences of Non-Speakers who use AAC devices.
This section provides some instructional ideas which integrate AAC (and related resources) in order to promote accessible learning and mitigate accessibility barriers.
Page updated
Report abuse