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 June, we highlighted AAC outdoors.
June Roundup
In June, we highlighted AAC outdoors. Communication happens everywhere. On hikes. At parks. On the playground. At the beach. Around the campfire. During everyday outdoor adventures. AAC users deserve full access to connection, participation, and joy in outdoor spaces, too.
Scavenger Hunt: Outdoors and Nature Edition!
Throughout the year, we will go on the hunt for theme-related words in our AAC systems. Because words matter!
Can you find words on your AAC system related to your favorite outdoor activities?
Can you find words on your AAC system to talk about all the things you see in nature? This includes describing words!
Do you have lite-tech and/or no-tech ways to communicate when a high-tech device is not suitable (for example, when rock climbing!)?
Related Content from the NWACS Website
New Blog Post: AAC for highly active person
High-tech AAC is not always practical. Pixie shares how they communicate when being physically active. AAC needs to fit each person across all the situations and environments in their life.
New Blog Post: Bringing Nature Inside: Exploring the Outdoors when you can’t get outdoors!
Spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and spark joy and connection. But for many AAC users, getting outside is not always easy. The good news? Nature can come to you, and the benefits still count! Jo shares ideas for exploring the outdoors from indoors, along with AAC vocabulary you can model along the way.
New Blog Post: Camp Prov: Interview with Shanna Van Horn
For 30 years, Camp Prov (in Everett, WA) has been offering an outdoor camp experience to kids who might otherwise not get to go to summer camp. Children aged 2-13 years with any diagnosis or disability are eligible to attend. Read more about this summer camp in this interview.
AAC Supports Participation in Life’s Celebrations!
Watch Modeling AAC at Home: Backyard on YouTube from Speech without Limits
Read Catch the Wave: AAC in the Water on the CoughDrop blog
Resources of Interest
The Arc of Snohomish County 2026 Summer Activities Guide
The Arc of King County Resource Guide: Activities and Recreation
Seattle Playgarden (a fully-fenced garden for disabled people of all ages)
Camp Parkview (recreational camps on Vashon Island, WA for adults with developmental disabilities)
Outdoors for All (outdoor recreation for children and adults with disabilities)
Let’s Go Camping free resource from Forbes AAC
What are your favorite related resources? Share in the comments so we can all benefit from them!
Joy in Nature
“To aim for the highest point is not the only way to climb a mountain.”
Nan Shepherd
Scottish writer and poet
Access to the outdoors is important for everyone, including people who use AAC. Activities involving the outdoors give AAC users chances to connect with others, explore new experiences, and express themselves in meaningful ways. AAC users can explore nature and outdoor activities in big and small ways. Whether they go outdoors, or if the outdoors comes to them inside!
Share your comments or questions.