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 February, we highlighted friendships and relationships.
February Roundup
Connection and communication matter in every relationship. AAC plays a vital role in
- consent,
- autonomy,
- safety,
- intimacy,
- and meaningful relationships.
Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the year, we will go on the hunt for theme-related words in our AAC systems. Because words matter!
Can you find the “love” word/symbol on your/your loved one’s AAC system? Is it on your people page?
What are your terms of endearment? Sweetie. Sweetie pie. Darling. Honey. Babe. Bestie. The words we use for the people we care about are part of how we build and maintain relationships. Are your words on your/your loved one’s AAC system?
Related Content from the NWACS Website
AAC and Consent, Safety, and Dignity
Disabled people are at higher risk for abuse, neglect, and infantilization. AAC can assist with communication about autonomy, boundaries, and protection. AAC is access to
- clear consent,
- boundaries,
- reporting,
- dignity,
- and safety.
Social Competence
This resource dives into building the social skills that help AAC users meet their communication goals. Including making and keeping friendships and relationships.
The Right to Dignity and Respect in All Interactions (Communication Bill of Rights, Right 1)
AAC users have the right to be treated with dignity and respect in every interaction. Swear words. Slang. Body parts. Politics. Relationships. Health. Rights. Limiting vocabulary limits autonomy. Words matter for safety, relationships, self-expression, and justice.
The Right to Interact Socially and to Build and Keep Relationships (Communication Bill of Rights, Right 6)
This right reminds us that being social is a basic human right. It is a basic human need.
New Research Summary: Making and Maintaining Friendships: Considerations for AAC Users
Communication and friendship have a reciprocal relationship. Each one strengthens the other. Friendships bring joy, belonging, trust, humor, and connection. But for many AAC users, making and maintaining friendships can be harder. Not because of ability, but because of:
- AAC systems built around basic needs instead of personal connection
- slow output in fast-paced friend conversations
- high cognitive load just to find the words
- limited ways to express tone, sarcasm, humor, or inside jokes
- ableism and limited access in social spaces
Social isolation impacts mental health. Friendship isn’t a “bonus skill.” It’s central to joy, belonging, and meaningful participation.
Resources of Interest
Communication, Connection, Consent
This powerful webinar recording from TechOWL/Institute on Disabilities at Temple University dives into
- communication,
- connection,
- consent,
- and AAC vocabulary for sexual health.
The presentation takes the conversation beyond “sex ed” and into what many AAC users deserve access to every day:
- language for love and intimacy
- words for boundaries and consent
- vocabulary for body parts, puberty, and health care advocacy
- communication that supports safe, respectful relationships
Content note: the video includes explicit sexual health vocabulary and discussion of abuse prevention.
A Brief Guide to Consenting with a Nonverbal Partner
This guide by Evan Sweeney on the Scarleteen website reminds us that:
- consent is about communication, not speech
- nonspeaking and minimally speaking people have the same right to agency, boundaries, and choice
- we must honor many ways of expressing “yes”, “no”, and “maybe”
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Peer Support Project
The group worked to develop recommendations for a national plan for enhancing peer supports for people who need or use AAC. The webpage is worth exploring. A couple of great tools that results from this project include (check out the “Other Tools and resources that resulted from this work” section of the project webpage for more information and links):
- Discussion Guidelines on How to prioritize AAC users in discussions during virtual meetings
- Sample self-assessment tool for evaluation AAC peer support activities
Anchored in Love: AAC That Begins With Love
This article by N of 1 leans into unconditional love and acceptance of all forms of communication.
A Guide to Supporting Peer Interaction for Students who use AAC
This guide from TIES Center offers insights on supporting students who use aided AAC to interact with peers. When disabled students have access to
- effective AAC,
- needed support,
- and opportunities to interact with peers,
friendship formation and belonging can increase significantly.
Related Videos on YouTube
A Disabled Artist Who Communicates by Painting
“Love is for everyone.” Clara reminds us that AAC is about belonging, being understood, and having access to the words that build relationships across a lifetime.
AAC Modeling During a Book: “Where is Love, Biscuit? Pet & Play”
The video from Speech without Limits reads a book about love while providing aided-language input. The SLP also demonstrates shared reading strategies, such as making comments.
Relationships Matter
Family ties. Friendships. Community connections. Romantic relationships. Feeling socially connected is important to our well-being and quality of life. Interaction and participation are more important than how communication happens. Let’s focus on connection before tools and utterance construction.
Share your comments or questions.