Our 2026 Theme is Joy and Connection in AAC. We know there are real challenges to face. We also believe there is hope. Together, we can face the challenges. Through joy and connection, we will help build a stronger, more loving community. There are many ways to support joy and build connection. Each month in 2026 we will feature one. In May, we highlighted celebrations.
May Roundup
In May, we highlighted AAC and celebrations. Celebrations can be big or small! Birthdays. Milestones. Cultural traditions. Everyday wins. Moments of connection. AAC helps people share joy, express meaning, and be fully included in all of it.
Scavenger Hunt: Celebrations Edition!
Throughout the year, we will go on the hunt for theme-related words in our AAC systems. Because words matter!
Can you find celebratory words on your AAC system?
- Happy birthday! Eid Mubarak! Chag Sameach! Words related to holidays that you celebrate?
- Wow! Well done! W! Slayed! Words to shout out everyday wins?
Do you have gestures you use to communicate feelings of celebration? Thumbs up, clapping, smile + happy sounds, etc.
AAC Supports Participation in Life’s Celebrations!
Birthdays
Cass shared this photo of her daughter celebrating her birthday. She has a slice of rainbow cake and her AAC device right by her side! She is ready to share, connect, and be part of the moment.
Weddings
This story of Bob is shared on the Lingraphica website. Bob is a stroke survivor with aphasia. He used AAC to give a heartfelt toast at his son’s wedding. After a year of preparation with his speech therapist, Bob delivered the speech using his AAC device and created a moment his family would never forget. Watch Life With Aphasia and AAC: Bob Gives a Toast on the Lingraphica website.
Graduations
Graduation speeches are about sharing your voice, your experiences, and your hopes for the future. AAC makes those moments possible. This video of Luke Laurenson delivering a graduation speech shows that communication can happen in many different ways, and every voice deserves to be heard. Moments like these remind us that AAC is not a limitation. It is a pathway to connection, self-expression, advocacy, and celebration. Watch Quadripledia Cerebral Palsy Valedictorian Inspires Class of 2023 on TikTok.
Jo’s Story of Celebration
Jo shared this story of celebration: “Sometimes we get caught up in the big moments and top of the mountain views in our AAC journey, but it’s good to remember to celebrate the little moments too. Recently, we made a little adjustment for my client that made all the difference! He had been using a proximity switch with some success. He would typically have about 3-10 activations in our hour-long session. And this was with him working so hard to communicate! But because of his different body positioning throughout the day and his fluctuating tone, it was hard for his care team to know where to put the switch at any given time. He had to relearn where the switch was in space to activate it every time his body changed. So, we tried the wearable NeuroNode switch and the difference was immediately noticeable once he put it around his wrist. He started activating the device so quickly that he could ask me to change the song I was playing before it even got to the chorus! He was able to quickly activate, explore and interact with his AAC device in a way he couldn’t before. It was a little moment of AAC magic! If you have someone trialing access, too, a great way to celebrate and document those micromoments is the Assessment of Learning Process for AAC.”
A Parent’s Reflection
Oanh Bui shared a celebratory reflection in this post on the USSAAC blog. Read Belonging at AAC Camp, Zeno Mountain Farm on the USSAAC Speakup Blog.
Beth Moulam
Beth Moulam, AAC user, advocate, and public speaker is also a Paralympian! She represented Great Britain in boccia at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Paralympics in 2021! Read about Beth and her journey on her blog: Boccia.
Birthday Celebration Hack
Assistive Technology (including AAC) helps people more actively participate in celebrations. Check out this video on Instagram showing a 5-year-old blowing out his birthday candles with a switch adapted fan!
Reacting to Special News
Right 7 of the Communication Bill of Rights (3rd Edition) is: the right to be given—and to understand—information about objects, actions, events, and people. Sharing good news with AAC users allows them to meaningfully participate in the celebration! Check out this sweet video on Facebook showing an excited reaction to special news.
Resources of Interest
Themed Printable AAC Boards
Smartbox AAC – US (formerly Talk To Me Technologies) has several free printable communication boards, including themes of holidays and events. Themed boards can help AAC users participate in traditions, share excitement, make comments, ask questions, and connect with others during celebrations big and small.
Enhance AAC Communication During Holidays for Unforgettable Joyful Moments
This resource from QuickTalker Freestyle (AbleNet) has tips for supporting AAC during holidays and special events.
Assessment of Learning Process (ALP) for AAC
The ALP for AAC provides a framework for understanding progression in AAC access learning. When we recognize and celebrate small but meaningful steps, we help build confidence, motivation, and joyful communication experiences.
Joy in Celebrating
“Laughter is anti-inflammatory. Crying is regulating. Hugging is immunoprotective. Singing is vagal toning. Dancing is neurogenic.
Joy is a biological necessity.”
Mark Hyman
MD (shared on LinkedIn)
Share your comments or questions.