What is USSAAC?

USSAAC is the United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, the national chapter of ISAAC, the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

To go a bit deeper, we are an organization dedicated to supporting the needs and desires of people who use AAC, as well as the professionals, manufacturers and family members making up our community. Augmentative and Alternative Communication refers to methods of communication that enhance (augment) or replace (alternative) conventional forms of expression. If that sounds a bit confusing, just consider that cool talking computer used by famed physicist Stephen Hawking as one example of AAC.

At USSAAC, our members join forces to improve the services, resources and products used by children and adults in need of AAC. We strive to enhance the communication effectiveness and, ultimately, the independence of persons desiring access to an alternative communication system. In fact, USSAAC is the only national association specifically designed to address the needs of persons who are either severely speech impaired or unable to speak. We are also dedicated to answering the needs of individuals who support the AAC community through therapy, special education or the creation and manufacturing of technology.

Whether you are trying to decide what AAC method is right for you, or trying to learn how to communicate better with someone who uses AAC, we hope we can help through our many initiatives.

USSAAC’s established programs include our quarterly magazine called SpeakUP, an annual conference, and our annual Bubbly Ball, which celebrates our community’s individuals amid the sparkle of champagne, caviar and chocolate-covered strawberries. We work with governments and insurance companies to ensure our community’s rights are met and promote awareness at numerous AAC conferences held across America each year. We offer help with CEU credits for professionals working within our field and resources for anyone looking for AAC information.

What we do depends on what you need. We try to offer information, tips, insights and tools for novices, experienced professionals, family members and, of course, the many diverse individuals who use AAC.

We invite you all to join our community. And if we can help answer any questions, feel free to contact us at info@ussaac.org

More About USSAAC…

* Board of Directors
* USSAAC Bylaws (pdf)

...and What Our Members Do!

* AAC on Stage
* 2007 International AAC Awareness Week in the USA (pdf)
* Bubbly Ball 2006 Photo Archive