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 resilient community. There are many ways to support joy and build connection. Each month in 2026 we will feature one. In August, we highlighted AAC and Inclusive Learning.
August Roundup
Learning happens everywhere. In classrooms. On the playground. At the lunch table. In hallways and buses and after-school clubs. Every AAC user deserves full access to all of it, alongside their peers, from day one. Inclusive learning is more than physical placement. It is access to vocabulary and curriculum. It is having effective communication partners. It is real academic expectations. It is space to be involved and an active participant.
Scavenger Hunt: August Edition!
Throughout the year, we will go on the hunt for theme-related words in our AAC systems. Because words matter!
Can you find grade-specific academic vocabulary in your AAC system?
Do you know the words peers are learning to use in relation to their learning?
Related Content from the NWACS Website
Back to School Communication Profile (Canva Template)
A Communication Profile is a one-page (or short) document that gives new teachers, para-educators, therapists, bus drivers, and school staff the information they need to communicate with your child from day one. Whether it is a new school year, a new placement, or a new team of providers, a good Communication Profile can save your child’s team weeks of guesswork and give your child a stronger start.
Ways to Celebrate and Embed AAC in Classroom
Special education teacher Jacquie shares 11 concrete actions teachers can take to celebrate and embed AAC in classroom spaces.
AAC and Literacy in a High School: How We Did It
Margaret shares her real, honest journey bringing literacy instruction to high school students in a self-contained classroom.
Resources for Teaching Core Words
Core vocabulary is the ~300 to 400 high-frequency, multipurpose words that make up 75 to 80 percent of what we say. AAC users need access to core words so they can create any message they want, on any topic, with anyone. Our Resources for Teaching Core Words page pulls together dozens of tools in one place.
Partner-Assisted Scanning
Margaret shares her experience introducing Partner Assisted Scanning (PAS) to a high school student with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs. PAS makes classroom participation possible for students who might otherwise be left out of the conversation.
Partner-Assisted Scanning: ‘Yes’ and ‘No’
Partner Assisted Scanning (PAS) cannot happen without a reliable way for the AAC user to indicate “yes” and “no.” Margaret explores a few ways to elicit a yes/no response for PAS.
New Blog Post: Communication Partners Need Support Too!
A topic not talked about enough. Communication partners (all the people in an AAC user’s life) need training, coaching, and ongoing support too. Without it, AAC often stall or fails. Even if the “right” system is in place.
New Blog Post: Inclusion via Vocab: Access to Academic Language in AAC
Molly profiles the incredible advocacy work of Cass. Cass’s message is clear: real inclusion is not just physical placement in a general education classroom. It is also linguistic access.
Read more of Cass’s thoughts in her own words in this post of hers on Facebook.
More on Inclusive Learning
All the Way to the Top
This social media post from Cass highlights the importance of teaching all children (including disabled kids) about inclusion. And about the fight for disability rights. Cass read All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel with her children. This autobiographical picture book was a great jumping off point for important discussions.
On Being Seen By Peers
A beautiful story about a birthday card that illustrates being truly seen and valued.
A Magnificent Pairing of Music and Learning
A unique partnership leads to joyful learning and celebration. A companion curriculum from The Nora Project paired with music from Lachi’s Magnificent album create a beautiful opportunity for learning together!
The Day You Raised Your Expectations (Speak For Yourself AAC)
Heidi LoStracco (SLP) shared evidence-based research that shows expectations share reality. Our expectations can change another person. So – let’s raise our expectations.
Learning Together
Tiffany Hammond of Fidgets and Fries recently reminded us on social media that access and inclusion are necessary. But the real end goal is belonging. You can be included and still feel alone. Everyone should feel a sense of belonging in the spaces they enter.
Share your comments or questions.