This page contains resources, announcements, guest blogs, essays, videos, and other stuff. Come back often!

AAC Users on the Future of AAC Research

By Communication FIRST | Sep 15, 2025

The journal of Augmentative and Alternative Communication published papers from our Future of AAC Research Summit! Nearly all of the 21 papers are authored or co-authored by someone who uses AAC. Access these papers and watch many of the authors present now.

See Us, Hear Us Film Screening & Chat with Bob Williams & Forest Haven Survivors Ricardo & Donna Thornton

By Communication FIRST | May 19, 2025

This webinar first aired on October 15, 2024, and begins with a screening of CommunicationFIRST’s latest See Us, Hear Us film featuring Bob Williams. It is followed by a discussion among CommunicationFIRST Policy Director Bob Williams, Forest Haven Institution survivors Ricardo Thornton and Donna Thornton, and advocate and ally Rebecca Salon.

Virginia Legislature To Require AAC Training in Schools

By Communication FIRST | Mar 28, 2025

Earlier this week, Virginia adopted its first law expressly addressing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Read our summary and statement of the law here.

CommunicationFIRST Statement Opposing Attack on the Administration for Community Living

By Communication FIRST | Mar 27, 2025

Read CommunicationFIRST’s statement in response to the planned elimination of the Administration for Community Living.

Advocating for Policy Change

By Communication FIRST | Mar 19, 2025

Medicaid is at risk! Your elected representatives need to hear how losing your Medicaid waiver would change your life. This Policy Advocacy for AAC Users toolkit provides some tips.

What Would You Do Without Your Aide?

By Communication FIRST | Jan 31, 2025

Share how Medicaid cuts would hurt you or those around you who need Medicaid to stay in the community. We put together some resources from our amazing partners to make this easy!

My Voice Wasn’t Coming Back

By Communication FIRST | Jan 22, 2025

Sophie Bohnen navigates the world with a whisper. When Sophie developed Laryngeal Dystonia, she adopted a voice amplification device and found her voice in advocacy. Sophie is creating a platform for people who go unheard to share their stories.

Tim Jin on Embracing Change in AAC Technology

By Communication FIRST | Dec 30, 2024

Typing with his toes is one way our Board Director Tim Jin communicates. Tim’s key(board) to success has been embracing change in AAC technology! Learn more from his AAC Research Summit talk.

Bob Williams on the Power of Free Speech

By Communication FIRST | Dec 15, 2024

In celebration of Bill of Rights Day, Bob Williams reflects on the power free expression holds for those of us who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.