The LEAD Project encourages and supports people who use AAC in taking a leadership role within ISAAC.

The LEAD Project is a committee of individuals that guides ISAAC in accomplishing the following objectives:

• Leadership: Promote leadership opportunities for people who use AAC within the organization and in the community.
• Education: Create and curate materials about leadership skill development and mentorship for people who use AAC.
• Advocacy: Advocate for support and services for people who use AAC to succeed as leaders.
• Design: Plan and develop activities for leaders who use AAC to participate and share knowledge.

The committee is chaired by the ISAAC VP of PWUAAC, Lateef McLeod: daretolead@isaac-online.org. Contact Lateef for more information.

Current members

• Lateef McLeod (Chair)
• Chelsea Hagen
• Jamie Preece
• Patrick Regan

Current Projects

• Pathways to Leadership Webinar Series
• International AAC Awareness Month
• ISAAC PWUAAC On-line Chats
• AAC Four Seasons Book Club
• ISAAC Cam on Wheels project

Leadership education materials for PWUAAC

ISAAC has information on how people who use AAC can develop the leadership skills necessary to serve on boards and in the community. We can also provide guidelines on promoting inclusion within non-profit organizations. Click on the links below for materials developed through ISAAC’s LEAD Project:

• In October 2017, a special International AAC Awareness webinar, Model the Way, showcased the concept of leadership at any age. Part of the USSAAC webinar series and presented by India Ochs, J.D. and Jack Ochs, student, the following is a recording of the October 23, 2017 webinar:

• ISAAC Leadership Material (PDF, 344 kB) This resource brings together various documents developed by ISAAC’s Committee for People Who Use AAC (PWUAAC). The goal is to offer information to assist in the development of leadership skills for people who use AAC.
• Leadership Project Workbook (PDF, 578 kB) People who serve on boards or work in management require specific skills; e.g., how to conduct meetings, make group decisions, formulate policies, manage human resources, work with budgets, etc. The Leadership Project Workbook 2011 includes lesson plans, discussion guidelines and examples to assist people who use AAC in developing these skills.
• General Rights and Responsibilities of People on Boards or Committees Who Use AAC (PDF, 99 kB) This set of guidelines provides insight into formal processes that promote inclusion.
• Facilitating Skill Training for Leadership in AAC (53 kB) People who use AAC can develop leadership skills through a variety of proactive and supported life choices, summarized here.
• AAC Etiquette (PDF, 75 kB) These tips and strategies promote meetings that are inclusive and supportive for people who use AAC.
• Participation and Support of PWUAAC on ISAAC and ISAAC Chapter Boards and Committees (PDF, 337 kB) Committee work can be very demanding and complex, while at the same time being productive, enjoyable, and rewarding. This document provides guidelines for informed participation by people who use AAC when serving in leadership positions within ISAAC.
• Promoting Your Rights and Leadership Skills Development by Martin Pistorius (PDF, 89 kB)
• International AAC Awareness Month – International AAC Awareness Month was established by the LEAD Project Committee in October 2007. Thirteen countries participated in the first annual Awareness Month, and events have been increasing in number and scope ever since.
• Visit AAC Awareness on this website.

If you are interested in the above topics, please contact Franklin Smith, ISAAC Executive Director, franklin@isaac-online.org, for more information.