Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. If I'm a USSAAC member, am I also an ISAAC member?

    Yes! USSAAC is the United States chapter of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC; isaac-online.org), so if you're a member of USSAAC you are automatically a member of ISAAC.

  2. What's my ISAAC or USSAAC member number/ID?

    Your USSAAC member ID and ISAAC member ID are the same number. When you joined USSAAC, you received an email from ISAAC with your member ID (a 5 or 6 digit number). If you are unable to locate your member ID, you can contact ISAAC at carol@isaac-online.org. Hint: If you already set up your member profile on USSAAC Member Finder, you'll always be able to find your number there!

  3. What does USSAAC do?

    USSAAC engages in education, advocacy, and other efforts to advance its mission, providing people who use or can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication the means to exercise choice and control and to be active participants in their own families and communities. Read more ABOUT US here.

  4. Why should I join USSAAC?

    There are many reasons to join USSAAC and the community of people from all over the world who are dedicated to supporting communication access. Benefits of membership include full membership in ISAAC, savings on journals and conferences, eligibility for mini grants, and access to high-quality webinars with continuing education credits. Find more information about membership types and benefits or JOIN USSAAC here.

  5. How do I get an AAC tool or speech-generating device?

    Searching online for "low tech communication boards" will yield many links for free resources to download and print. Searching within app stores will also provide many options, from free communication apps to ones costing hundreds of dollars. Similarly, there are many alternatives when it comes to dedicated speech-generating devices. To make sense of all the available options and find the appropriate system for an individual, seek out a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with experience in AAC. They will assess current skills and communication needs and work with other team members to learn about motor skills and identify the best options available for a person. They can also set up device trials and help with funding options.

  6. How do I find a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who knows about AAC?

    AAC is a unique practice area within the field of speech-language pathology. You can search USSAAC's Member Finder to locate USSAAC members who are SLPs. You can also find SLPs using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's ProFind service online or by calling 800-638-8255 during business hours.

  7. Are there questions I should ask to find out more about a potential provider of AAC services?

    Because not every SLP knows the ins and outs of AAC, you may want to ask the potential SLP provider questions such as: What training/experience do you have in AAC? How many AAC clients did you serve in the last 12 months? What communication disorders or disabilities do you have experience with? What kind of AAC tools/accessories are you familiar with and confident using? How do you keep up with the current technology and newest AAC?

  8. How do I find a guest speaker to talk to my class or organization?

    Inviting a guest speaker who has lived experience as a person who uses AAC is an important way to raise awareness about AAC and other key topics. Find an experienced guest speaker who uses AAC in USSAAC's Speaker Connection. USSAAC members representing speech-language pathology and other disciplines who may be available to talk to your class or organization can also be found in USSAAC's Member Finder.

  9. What AAC devices do you have?

    USSAAC doesn't manufacture or supply AAC devices. Check out the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) membership directory for an extensive listing of manufacturers of communication technologies.

  10. How can I borrow an AAC device from USSAAC?

    USSAAC does not loan devices. You can find state lending libraries at AT Act Programs. Some manufacturers have programs that allow you to borrow or rent their products.

  11. How can I receive continuing education units (CEUs) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for attending a USSAAC webinar?

    ASHA CEUs can be obtained by attending the entire live session and completing the ASHA documentation using the QR code or link provided during the webinar. CEUs are included with your USSAAC membership at no additional charge. Non-members may request ASHA CEUs for a $25 fee.

  12. Where can I find archived webinars?

    Access to USSAAC recorded webinars (as well as those from other ISAAC chapters) is available from the "members only" section of the ISAAC website https://isaac-online.org/english/webinars/.

  13. I want to become more involved with USSAAC. How do I start?

    We have many options for members to volunteer and support our mission. Check out the descriptions of our various committees. Reach out to the committee chair or complete the contact form to express your interest.

  14. How can I support USSAAC?

    In addition to being a volunteer, you can donate! We have information about donating via check or online on our website. Earmark your donation for either the general fund or our disability relief efforts. In addition, consider sponsoring a "Facebook fundraiser" to celebrate your birthday or other occasion. Please note: USSAAC and ISAAC will never ask you to send gift cards. If you are asked to donate cash, always check the originating email (@ussaac.org) and contact us if you want to confirm the request is legitimate.

  15. What are USSAAC's "Amplifying AAC Voices" initiatives?

    Thanks to sponsorships and donations, USSAAC has two initiatives - AAC Speaker Connection and USSAAC Mini Grants - focused on amplifying the voices of people who use AAC. USSAAC's AAC Speaker Connection connects people who use AAC of all ages with paid opportunities to share their remarkable stories, skills, knowledge and insights with students, faculty, conference organizers, media outlets, families, industry and advocates across the United States. The goal of USSAAC's mini grant program is to fund innovative projects that create, expand, and promote innovative ways to amplify the voices of people who use AAC in the US.