The Right to Individualized, Working Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems and Other Assistive Technology at All Times (Right #12)

This page is an exploration of Right #12 of the NJC Communication Bill of Rights.

Plan Ahead

The need to communicate happens in all places, at all times, and under all types of circumstances.

In a storm? Raining? In the bath/shower/pool? At the beach? Yep!

When the power is out? During a natural disaster or other emergency? Yes!

When the high-tech device is broken/in for repair? When the battery is dead? Then too!

When in transport? When physically active (e.g., biking, walking, playing, etc.)? Absolutely!

When in an appointment (doctor, dentist, mental health, or otherwise)? Or when in the hospital? Definitely!

In bed? On the floor? In a chair/wheelchair? On the couch? Of course!

Any situation you can think of? Access to communication is an absolute must!

People who use AAC need to be able to fully meet their communication needs in all moments, regardless of the time or what is going on in the environment. This means teams need to plan ahead. It also means having a variety of communication tools as part of the communication system.

Everyday plan:

Establish a routine to keep the primary communication device clean, functional, and in good working order on a daily basis. This should include identifying who is responsible for specific tasks.
Have a backup (copy) of the communication tools.
- For high-tech communication devices, make sure to create an electronic copy of the programming! Any time changes are made to the programming, make a habit of making a new backup copy. You never know when you will need to reload the communication program. It is frustrating (and heartbreaking) to lose all the work you have put into individualizing the program with the AAC user! Check with the device manufacturer/app developer for instructions on how to save a backup of the programming.
- For high-tech communication devices, a backup can also mean a light-tech version. Make a paper-based copy! This can be used for modeling/providing aided-language input. It can also be used in situations where the high-tech device is not available (e.g., needs charging, is broken, around water, etc.).
  - Take screenshots, print, and laminate pages or
  - Print on waterproof/tear-proof paper
  - Some companies have PDF files you can download and print
- For lite-tech systems, make a duplicate copy just in case!
Create communication tools to meet the communication needs and situations in the AAC user’s life:
- Lite-tech options (laminated and/or printed on waterproof/tear-proof paper)
  - check out these resources for printable communication boards
- Tools like the HandyTalker from CoatneyCreations on Etsy or PicSeePal
- Partner-assisted scanning (auditory and/or visual), for example, based on a PODD book
Develop a multimodal system of communication and ensure all team members recognize/know the AAC users’ multimodal signals, including
- vocalizations
- gestures
- lite-tech communication boards, books, etc.
- mid- and/or high-tech tools

Emergency preparedness:

At home, at school or work, or in the community – emergencies can happen at any time. By their nature, emergencies are generally unexpected. So the best offense is a good defense. Be prepared. Consider the AAC user’s communication needs in these potential situations as you make “disaster/emergency plans”.

AAC & Emergency Preparedness resource page from NWACS
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Disaster Preparedness: Roles, Responsibilities, and Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists and Other Professionals by Miriam C. Boesch , Elizabeth Begley , Sarah Blackstone and Tina Caswell (https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_PERSP-21-00274)
Be prepared! What you need to know for People Who Use AAC AAC in the Cloud presentation (recording) by Amy Goldman
Disaster preparedness for people with complex communication needs: A personal perspective webcast by Pamela Kennedy as part of the work of the AAC-RERC
Do you have an IEP Emergency Plan? School Shootings | Weather | Evacuation blog post from A Day In Our Shoes (Lisa Lightner)
Emergencies and Disasters: Readiness – resources from USSAAC
- Also explore the USSAAC Emergencies and Disasters: Communication Tools page
Emergency Communication Tips information and resources from Temple University Institute on Disabilities
Emergency Planning for AAC Users AAC in the Cloud presentation (recording) by Kathryn Helland
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities webinar (recording) from OHSU
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities: Heat Waves, Wildfire and Power Outages webinar (recording) from OHSU
Emergency Supply Kits Fact Sheets from ADA National Network
- Also check out the Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery-Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices Fact Sheet
PWUAAC in Emergencies and Disasters: Tales from the Trenches webinar (recording) from USSAAC
What, Why, and How of Disaster Preparedness: You and Your AAC Users UCF AAC Collaborative presentation (recording) by Amy Goldman

Advocacy

Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes the importance of – and right to – having access to communication tools at all times. Yet. Unfamiliar communication partners frequently look past AAC users. They direct communication to whoever is with the person. We need to continue to educate and advocate. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that “title II entities (State and local governments) and title III entities (businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public) communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities.” The effective communication rules are to make sure that people with communication disabilities can receive information from, and convey information to, covered entities. For more information, read this guidance from the Department of Justice on the ADA requirement of effective communication.

Kate Ahern recently shared the infographic below in the AAC Through Motivate, Model, Move Out Of The Way Facebook group. Print on waterproof sticker paper and attach this to a communication device. It can be a helpful cue/reminder that access to a communication device is a right in situations when devices might otherwise be banned or removed.