The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) established International AAC Awareness Month in October 2007.  It is celebrated around the world each October. The goal is to raise awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and to inform the public about the many different ways in which people communicate using communication devices and other visual communication supports.

ISAAC has chosen “Access All Areas” as one of this year’s themes for International AAC Awareness Month, challenging us to expand the concept of accessibility to include communication access.

There are many ways in which you can help build awareness of AAC - for both yourself and others.  Here are just a few suggestions:

• Attend a continuing education conference/webinar/class. Check our Calendar for ideas.

  • Check out these FREE webinar recordings from AAC in the Cloud online conference that happened this past June.

  • Check out these FREE intermission recordings from the recent AAC After Work online conference.

• Change your Facebook or other social media header images or profile pictures to share about AAC (such as these from PrAACtical AAC).

• Share posts on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media venues (such as some of the ones trending on our NWACS Facebook page).

• Explore an AAC blog/AAC-related blog posts.  If you are looking for a place to start, explore our NWACS blog or check out our Blog Roll!

• Write a blog post!  Don't have your own blog?  No problem!  We'd love for you to guest write a post for the NWACS blog.

• Read a book or (research) article with an AAC theme.  Here are a few of our favorites.

• Ask questions (such as on our Facebook page or in comments below).

• Participate in the 9th Annual 24+Hour AAC Chat on Facebook (October 27, 2017).

• Host a silent (AAC only) tea/coffee meet up.

• Present an inservice for coworkers, hold a meet & greet, or share handouts focused on AAC.

• Join in the AAC Awareness Month contest fun from Kate Ahern @ AAC Through Motivate, Model, Move Out Of The Way!

• Peruse our Pinterest site. Other amazing AAC/AT-related Pinterest pages include Lauren S. Enders, MS, CCC-SLP, PrAACtical AAC, Kate Ahern, Speak For Yourself, and CoughDrop AAC, .

• Follow the NWACS blog - we will be sharing more information and ideas!

There are many ways in which you can help build awareness and understanding of AAC. Pick one and let us know how it goes!

How are you getting involved in AAC Awareness Month?

Tell us in comments!