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 April, we highlighted community bonds.
April Roundup
In April, we explored how AAC helps people express identity, belonging, and connection to community. Words about identity and joy help us share who we are and what matters to us. They help us build connection and community.
Scavenger Hunt: Community Bonds Edition!
Throughout the year, we will go on the hunt for theme-related words in our AAC systems. Because words matter!
Can you find identity-based words on your AAC system? These might include words related to:
- neurotype
- race or culture
- gender or identity
- community or heritage
Can you find ways to describe your joy? Think about:
- special interests
- favorite activities
- “glimmers” (the little things that bring happiness)
Do you have a folder for your favorite things?
Related Content from the NWACS Website
Resources for Lite-Tech Communication Boards in Multiple Languages
Access to one’s home language is important. It keeps them connected to their family and community.
Multicultural Practices
A collection of blog posts that highlight important aspects of community, identity, and culture.
Representation is Possible, and Necessary
This blog post from the archives reminds us of the importance of personalizing AAC systems. People who need and use AAC should feel their communication devices represent and reflect them.
New Research Summary: AAC Supports in a Community Museum: What Does the Research Say?
This post summarizes research on increasing communication accessibility in a children’s museum. It highlights important findings:
- Communication access must be multimodal. One system does not fit all.
- Social awareness matters. People need to recognize and respond to AAC.
- Training is essential! Tools alone are not enough.
AAC and Community Bonds in Action
Access to Cultural Identity Vocabulary
This post on Free to Be Me Speech Therapy’s Facebook page celebrates the efforts of Cass Griffin Bennett to build out cultural identity and social justice vocabulary on her daughter’s AAC system. This post highlights an important truth: AAC users deserve access to robust, culturally responsive vocabulary. This responsibility shouldn’t fall only on families. We need systems and developers to do better.
Mummy Vs. AAC
Jo Holmes sometimes shares (on social media and on her blog) about her daughter’s experiences with Guides and other community integration opportunities. Here are a few examples:
Participating in Church Activities
AAC Family Fun has shared how they have tried to help their AAC user participate in church related activities. Here is one video from them on YouTube: Adding Religious Buttons to AAC devices.
This blog post from Awe & Wonder explores using communication boards for church use. Read the blog post: Communication Boards for Church
Resources of Interest
Visual Menus at Restaurants
Some restaurants may have picture menus available upon request. It is worth asking at restaurants you frequent.
The Ties That Bind
Community bonds are extremely important for well-being and physical and mental health. These bonds meet a basic human need for belonging.
Share your comments or questions.