Promote the Use of Augmentative Communication Devices

Promote the Use of Augmentative Communication Devices

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The use of augmentative communication devices can make a significant difference in the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Devices like the <a href='http://www.dynavoxtech.com/'>Dynavox</a> and software like <a href='http://autism.change.org/blog/view/new_iphone_and_itouch_aac_solution'>ProLoquo2Go</a> and many augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies can make it possible for individuals for whom speech is not the best way to communicate to have a voice. We need to make these accessible and affordable to all individuals who can benefit from them and to encourage the development of more technologies like these.&nbsp;<br /><br />Ronald Leaf, director of <a href='http://www.autismpartnership.com/'>Autism Partnership</a>, was recently quoted in <a href='http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-27-iphone-autism_N.htm'>USA Today</a> as saying that&nbsp;<br />"If we could get children to talk without using technology, that would be our preference."&lt;/blockquote&gt;&nbsp;<br /><br />No---our preference is that children, and individuals with disabilities, should be able to communicate in the ways that they are best able. Robert Rummel-Hudson, author of <a href='http://www.amazon.com/Schuylers-Monster-xFathers-Wordless-Daughter/dp/0312538804?&amp;camp=212361&amp;linkCode=wey&amp;tag=schusmons-20&amp;creative=380733'>Schuyler's Monster: A Father's Journey with His Wordless Daughter</a>, has also written a <a href='http://www.schuylersmonsterblog.com/2009/05/calling-out-doctor-leaf.html'>letter</a> "calling out" Dr. Leaf for his "glib dismissal of a technology and a communications philosophy that has helped and will continue to help thousands of young people who are unable to speak but deserve to be heard." As Dora has written, <a href='http://autism.change.org/blog/view/just_because_im_quiet_doesnt_mean_i_dont_understand'>just because a person is quite does not mean that s/he does not understand</a>; further <a href='http://autism.change.org/blog/view/communication_is_not_speech_is_a_civil_right'>communication is a civil right</a>.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />The technology is available to give those who, like my son, like Schuyler, and like many many others, a voice, a way to independently express themselves. Let's get out the message that communication is the goal, in whatever form is best suited to each individual.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Pledge now to promote the use of augmentative communication devices.

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