Kevin Williams and Christine Holyfield
Webcast Description
This presentation was first made at the Future of AAC Research Summit on May 13, 2024.
Please cite as
Williams, K. & Holyfield, C. (2024, May 13). Future of AAC Technologies: Priorities for inclusive research and implementation. [Conference session]. Future of AAC Research Summit, Arlington, VA. https://tinyurl.com/AAC-Williams-future-2024
Video production by Rylie Mueller (Penn State University)
Additional Resources
by Patrick Regan
Patrick Regan
Patrick Regan has been an AAC user for more than 27 years. He experiences Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, and he received his first speech-generating device a few months after his second birthday. Patrick is USSAAC’s President Elect. He is also a member of ISAAC’s LEAD committee. He is employed as a Media Tech Coordinator, and a Senior Media Tech for St. John United Methodist Church in Anchorage, Alaska. And he serves as the Coordinator of Activities and Events, and Co-President for Bridging Communities Through Alternative Communication (“BCTAC”), an adult outreach program of The Bridge School, in Hillsborough, California.
Webcast Description
Patrick describes his experiences in acquiring and using AAC technology. This presentation was first made at the Future of AAC Research Summit on May 14, 2024.
Cite as
Regan, P. (2024, May 14). The first word in accessibility is ACCESS [Conference session]. Future of AAC Research Summit, Arlington, VA. https://tinyurl.com/AAC-Regan-2024
Video production by Patrick Regan
Additional Resources
Regan, P. (2023, June 6). Introducing Speak Up! and AACT.
Alice Wong
Alice Wong (she/her) is a disabled activist, writer, media maker, and consultant. She is a relatively new AAC user and nonspeaking person. Alice is the founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, an online community dedicated to creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture. Alice is the editor of Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century, an anthology of essays by disabled people and Disability Visibility: 17 First-Person Stories for Today, an adapted version for young adults. Her debut memoir, Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life, is available now from Vintage Books. Her most recent anthology, Disability Intimacy, has now been published. Twitter: @SFdirewolf.
Webcast Description
Alice describes the impact of ableism on her communication and life experiences. This presentation was first made at the Future of AAC Research Summit on May 13, 2024.
(Transcript as pdf)
Cite as
Wong, A. (2024, May 13). How ableism impacts people who need and use AAC [Conference session]. Future of AAC Research Summit, Arlington, VA. https://tinyurl.com/AAC-Wong-2024
Additional Resources
Samuels, E. (2017). Six ways of looking at crip time. Disability Studies Quarterly, 37(3).
Wong, A. (May 20, 2024). Augmentative and alternative communication: How becoming a user changed my relationships. Teen Vogue
Wong, A. (November, 2019) Speech for ASAN Gala
McNaughton, D., & Light, J. (2013). The iPad and mobile technology revolution: Benefits and challenges for individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 29, 107-116.
Free copy available at
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/07434618.2013.784930
Abstract
The iPad and other mobile technologies provide powerful new tools to potentially enhance communication for individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired neurogenic disorders, and degenerative neurological conditions. These mobile technologies offer a number of potential benefits, including: (a) increased awareness and social acceptance of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), (b) greater consumer empowerment in accessing AAC solutions, (c) increased adoption of AAC technologies, (d) greater functionality and interconnectivity, and (e) greater diffusion of AAC research and development. However, there remain a number of significant challenges that must be addressed if these benefits are to be fully realized: (a) to ensure the focus is on communication, not just technology, (b) to develop innovative models of AAC service delivery to ensure successful outcomes, (c) to ensure ease of access for all individuals who require AAC, and, (d) to maximize AAC solutions to support a wide variety of communication functions. There is an urgent need for effective collaboration among key stakeholders to support research and development activities, and to ensure the successful implementation of mobile technologies to enhance communication outcomes for individuals who require AAC and their families.
In a recent podcast for Speech Uncensored, Dr. Susan Fager discussed her research on access and communication technology, and how the work she is completing translates to clinical practice. Susan also covered the progression from low tech to high tech AAC that a patient may experience across their recovery stages. Dr. Fager provided case studies to illustrate creative problem solving and overcoming obstacles to provide patients with a means to express themselves.