October is AAC Awareness Month!

.October is a special month in the world of Speech-Language Pathology- It's AAC Awareness Month! AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, refers to the different methods, tools, and systems used to support individuals who have difficulty using verbal speech. 

We are proud to celebrate this month by spreading awareness to the public and celebrating all forms of communication! 

Movies and TV shows that highlight AAC users include:

The Theory of Everything: A film that portrays the life of Stephen Hawking, a famous physicist who used a speech-generating device after losing verbal speech due to ALS. He continued his ground-breaking work through the use of AAC. 

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: This is a book and movie that follows the life of a journalist who experiences locked-in syndrome and learns to communicate through the use of eye movements. 

Speechless: A comedy series that features a character named JJ who has Cerebral Palsy and uses AAC to communicate. 

Out of My Mind: This novel tells the story of a young girl who is non-speaking. Melody's journey in finding her voice through the use of AAC is moving and empowering, and is a wonderful read for middle school through adulthood. 

Real Life Examples of AAC

Carly Fleischmann is a non-speaking Autistic woman who became a well-known advocate for AAC. She uses a communication device to share her powerful insights to the life and experiences. 

Pivotal to AAC Awareness is the Communication Bill of Rights. This document reminds us that ALL individuals, regardless of their communication challenges, have the right to communicate their needs, choices, and desires. 

At Milestones Matter Therapy, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively. We have skilled SLPs who specialize in AAC evaluation and therapy services, helping individuals find the best AAC system for their needs. 

We understand that the cost of devices can often be overwhelming, and we are able to assist in obtaining funding through Insurance and private grant options.  

Let's celebrate AAC Awareness Month by spreading the message that communication is a basic human right, and not a privilege!