ABOUT AAC
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AAC Related Organisations
- AAC Institute
The AAC Institute is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the most effective communication for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication.
- AAC Research Unit
The AAC Research Unit was established in 1989 at the University of Stirling. It is an interdisciplinary team involving speech and language therapists, psychologists, sociologists and linguists.
- AAC-RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center)
The mission of AAC-RERC is to assist people who rely on AAC communication to achieve their goals by advancing and promoting AAC technologies, and supporting the individuals who use, manufacture, and recommend them.
- ABILITY Awareness
For nearly 15 years, ABILITY Awareness has been working to build a world of inclusion for people with health conditions or disabilities. By creating highly visible opportunities for people with disabilities to showcase their skills and talents, ABILITY Awareness is committed to demonstrating their potential as volunteers, mentors, and employees, while shattering age-old paradigms. See also: www.abilitymagazine.com
- ACCPC
ACCPC is a federal, non-profit organization that undertakes social innovation projects to promote awareness, justice, enhanced quality of life and community participation for people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
- ACE Centre
The ACE Centre Advisory Trust is now an independent charity which assesses young people in education with spoken or written communication difficulties and advises on approaches to improving their communication skills using the latest technological and other approaches.
- ACOLUG
A Listserv created to exchange ideas, information and experiences on augmentative communication by people from all over the world.
- Adaptive Technology Resource Centre
An excellent resource for information on adaptive technology, access to information, and resources for professionals and for persons with disabilities, and research in the area.
- Al Noor Training Centre for Children With Special Needs

The Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs has been in existence since 1981 and provides quality and effective training to the Special Needs community of Dubai. The Centre supports children with challenges such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. These are addressed through special education methods, physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Al Noor also has its own Work Placement Unit, which trains children with an aptitude for open employment.
- Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
A network of community-based resource centers dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. Centers can be found all across the country.
- Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories (ASEL) (U.Del./A.I.DuPont)
ASEL focuses on research and development, as well as public policy and systems change, relating to the use of advanced rehabilitation and assistive technology by people with disabilities. An excellent resource site. By the University of Delaware and the duPont Hospital for Children of the A.I. duPont Institute of the Nemours.
- Augmentative Communication Community Partnerships - Canada
ACCPC is a federal, non-profit, community-based organization which provides education, research and resources for people who have severe speech impairments and who use other ways to communicate such as picture displays, alphabet boards and voice-output devices.
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Autism Society of America.
The Autism Society of America offers a site that includes articles and research along with a forum for advocating for persons with autistic spectrum disorders.
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Bala Learning Center
The Bala Learning Centre program develops literacy, communication and computer skills for people with disabilities.
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BBB Autism Online
BBB Autism online is a support network for parents with children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Search “Speech and Language ~ Communication” for information on AAC and Total Communication.
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Brain Injury of America
International links in many languages can be found on the Brain Injury of America’s website. The listed organizations provide information on a range of subjects including rehabilitation, research, and support for children and their families.
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Cancer Research, UK
Cancer Research, UK, lists links and detailed information on conditions that may require the use of AAC.
- CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Founded in 1984, CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities through innovative computer technology.
- CAYA (Communication Assistance for Young Adults)
Communication Assistance for Young Adults (CAYA) is a project created through Special Education Technology BC (SET-BC) to serve adults between the ages of 19-27 who require alternative or augmentative communication (AAC) assistance. The project is designed to address the crucial transition period to adulthood for young people with severe communication disabilities. The goal of CAYA is to ensure that eligible individuals have access to the communication tools and professional support to enable them to create an adult life to the best of their abilities.
- CEAPAT
Centro Estatal De Autonomia Personal
CEAPAT is the national center for personal autonomy and technical aids in Spain. It depends of the Ministry for Work and Social Affairs. It works promoting total accessibility and development of assistive technology.
- Centre for Augmentative & Alternative Communication
The Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC) is committed to the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies to enhance the communication and literacy skills of people with disabilities in South Africa. Intervention is focussed on affordable and accessible transdisciplinary training of families, teachers, therapists and health workers. Influencing policy making is part of this process. Effectiveness is ensured through the dynamic relationship between research and intervention.
- Center for Excellence in Augmented Communication (CEAC)
University at Buffalo's Signature Center for Excellence in Augmented Communication (CEAC) is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art services to persons with complex communication needs and committed to conducting and actively supporting relevant research, training, and client/family advocacy. Our new website (ubceac.org) will provide news and event information relevant to the AAC community, including technology news & reviews, bug reports, software resources and editorials. We invite all members of the AAC community to visit us, contribute and participate in our website!
- Centro Benedetta D'Intino Onlus
The Augmentative Communication Service at Centro Benedetta D'Intino (CBD'I), as the preeminent AAC Service in Italy, provides assessments and intervention programs for children with communication disorders who require AAC. The interdisciplinary team of professionals with expertise in the area of AAC at CBD'I uses a community-based service delivery approach.Moreover the CBD'I is well known in Italy for a one year course held by Italian and foreign teachers, addressed to professionals and for workshops addressed to facilitators and parents.
- Centro Studi E Ricerca in Neuroriabilitazione - CNAPP
The goal of our Centre in Italy is to develop tools and rehabilitative/educational strategies (e.g.W.O.C.E, Face mouse) to support communication skills both in people with ASD (with partial or total lack of speech) and in people with other neurological pathologies involving speech impairment. The strategies have their place in the rationale of the cognitive sciences and are monitored by the University of Roma "Tor Vergata". Other goals are: to support the development of written or symbolic communication, to help identify barriers, to integrate the different communication possibilities.
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C P Australia
C P Australia provides extensive information on Cerebral Palsy.
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DART
DART is the Centre for AAC and computer access in Sweden. The centre serves children, young adults and adults with disabilities.
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Disabled Peoples International
Disabled Peoples International is a network of national organizations established to promote human rights of people with disabilities.
- Eastin European Information Network
A network of six European information centres providing searchable resources on assistive technology (AT) for older and disabled people, their families and carers across the globe.
- Eleanore's Project, Inc.
Appropriate positioning and mobility equipment, alternative/augmentative communication strategies, and education/technical support for families of children with disabilities and professionals working with them - these are the foci of Eleanore's Project. Services in Peru and Jordan are provided through in-country partners, aiming for best practice standards of care and long-term capacity building.
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Equip KIDS International
Equip Kids International is a charitable organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities in developing countries.
- ERINOAK Kids
As the largest CTC in Ontario, Erinoak provides a wide range of therapies and support services to children (from birth to 19) with physical, developmental and communication disabilities, living in Halton, Peel or Dufferin. Erinoak's Assistive Devices Resource Service provides assessment, recommendation and/or prescription for Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems, Electronic Aids for Daily Living, single switch access to computers and technical aids, alternative controllers for power wheelchairs, seating and mobility.
- Fenacerci
FENACERCI, funded in 1985, is a national federation of social co-operatives representing 51 co-operatives for education and rehabilitation of people with special needs. They are spread all over the country and they provide direct or indirect support to approximately 10000 children, youths and adults with intellectual or multiple disability. The work carried out by our members has been recognised due to its quality and innovative approaches, namely in what comes to Early Intervention, Special Education, Occupational Activities, Vocational Training and Employment and Housing
- George Jeffrey Children's Centre
Our Centre provides rehabilitation therapy services (OT, PT, SLP), social work, medical clinics, and specialty services, such as Augmentative Communication, Seating and Mobility, Recreation Therapy and Music Therapy. We encourage children to achieve their best by providing our services in a family-centred context that supports each child and the families that are significant to them.
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Georgia Project for Assistive Technology
The Georgia project for Assistive Technology has developed numerous resources to assist teachers and family members. AAC resources include informational documents, Power Point presentations, online videos, and web links. Search the Assistive Technology Resource Charts.
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Healthlink
Worldwide works to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in developing countries.
- Heldagsskolan Rullen AB
Heldagsskolan Rullen is a Compulsory school for pupils with learning and motor disabilities. The education at Heldagsskolan Rullen focus on communication, motor skills and social behavior. Heldagsskolan Rullens main goal for every pupil is. An individual with optimal self confidence and physical wellbeing who is able to communicate its needs to the surrounding people.
- Independent Living Centre of Western Australia
A non-government, not-for-profit, community based equipment information and advisory resource service which enables people to find out about, see and trial a range of equipment, assistive technology and training resources for people living and working with disabilities, injuries and age-related difficulties.
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International Alliance
The web site of International Alliance contains links to national organizations that support people living with Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
- MAB-Mackay Center of Rehabilitation Center
The MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Center is dedicated to providing quality adaptation, rehabilitation and social integration services to the blind as well as the visually and hearing impaired of all ages and to children with language and motor impairments. It also operates a long-term care centre for blind and visually impaired seniors. A visit to our site will highlight our interdisciplinary early intervention program for children with multi handicaps and our adapted pediatric low vision clinic. www.mabmackay.ca
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
A predominantly service-based, non-profit organization, The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides a comprehensive approach to helping people with MS maintain both their health and well-being.
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National Aphasia Association (NAA)
Following a stroke some individuals experience communication difficulties. The National Aphasia Association provides web links to international sites that focus on the support of people with aphasia and their families. The NAA also offers specific information about AAC on the subject of aphasia and technology www.aphasis.org/technology.php
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National Parkinson Foundation
The foundation’s mission is to find the cause of and the cure for Parkinson's disease through research; to improve the quality of life for persons with Parkinson's and their caregivers and to educate persons with Parkinson's, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public about Parkinson's disease and its treatment.
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News-2-You
News -2-You is a weekly online publication for beginning readers. The paper uses pictures and simple language throughout.
- Northcott Disability Services
CATS is an independent resource and assessment centre specialising in assistive technology for people with disabilities. The CATS team provides assistance with computer access, communication and access to everyday appliances to maximise a person's independence. The following services are provides by CATS: assessments; rural visits; training/education; telephone support; and a technology loan pool.
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Novita, Australia.
Novita’s site offers extensive information about AAC services in Southern Australia. It also provides an excellent glossary of AAC terms.
- One Kids Place-Children's Treatment Centre
One Kids Place is a children's treatment centre. We offer a range of services to help children, youth and their families with physical, developmental and communication delays and disabilities. Our team is committed to updating their skills and knowledge to work together with children, youth and their families to achieve their full potential.
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Rehabilitation International (RI)
RI is an independent not-for-profit organisation working for social and economic inclusion among people with disabilities and others who are marginalised.
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SCOPE
Scope is an organization in the United Kingdom that focuses on Cerebral Palsy. The site offers information on issues of education, employment and family support.
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Speaking Differently
Speaking differently is an organization of persons with disabilities who communicate in different ways. The membership advocates for improvement in transportation, employment opportunities, community integration etc.
- Speech Page
Carnegie Mellon University is involved in computational speech research and speech technological development.
- Speech Research
The Speech Research Group [DuPont Hospital for Children and the University of Delaware (ASEL)] conducts research in the areas of Speech Science and Speech Technology and is involved in the development of software speech synthesis and speech processing applications for persons with disabilities.
- Speech-Language Department

The Speech-Language Department in Malta is committed to assessing and identifying the communication and swallowing difficulties of service users in order to design, implement, monitor and evaluate intervention programs that are evidence-based, timely and realistic. The department is also committed to empowering, educating and supporting service users, carers, citizens and other professionals through awareness and prevention programs.
- stsnews.com
Telephone access for people in the USA with speech disabilities.
- Sudbury Regional Hospital
We provide service to both pediatric and adult clients in both French and English languages. We are an expanded level clinic servicing North Eastern Ontario for both communication and writing.
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Temple University, Institute on Disabilities
Temple University is the hosting agency of ACULOG, a listserv for people who rely on AAC. Their home page provides links to Augmentative Communication and Support (ACES); the AC online Users’
- The Spastic Centre
The Spastic Centre provides a range of services to children and adults with cerebral palsy and allied disorders across the state of NSW in Australia. Services include therapy, equipment prescription and loan, respite care, family support, seating, technology services, accommodation, adult day programs, employment services, professional education, schools programs, hydrotherapy, research and information. The CP Helpline is a confidential telephone support and information service for anyone with questions or concerns about cerebral palsy, phone 130030 29 20
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Through the Looking Glass
Through the Looking Glass is an organization that provides web support for parents of children with disabilities.
- Trace Research and Development Centre
The Trace Centre is a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centre located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which aims to assist persons with disabilities through the use of communication, computer and information technologies.
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University of Buffalo, N Y
The Assistive Technology Training Online Project provides information on assistive technology applications that help students with disabilities to learn in elementary classrooms.
- UW Augcomm
Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the University of Washington, Seattle.
- WebABLE!
WebABLE! is the authoritative Web directory for disability-related internet resources. WebABLE's accessibility database lists hundreds of internet-based resources on accessibility.
- World Wide Augmentative and Alternative Communication
The World-Wide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (WWAAC) project is a pan-european initiative to make web and email-based technology more accessible to people with communication, language and/or cognitive impairment.
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YAACK
An easy and practical web site with information and guidance about AAC for young children, their parents, and teachers.
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