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Tag: augmentative and alternative communication

A smiling child wearing a gold crown sits in a mobility chair outside while looking at an AAC device.

Virginia Legislature To Require AAC Training in Schools

March 28, 2025 Communication FIRST

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

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Posted in: Accessibility, Health Care, Policy, Resources, Uncategorized Filed under: AAC, accessibility, augmentative and alternative communication, health care, Medicaid, Medicaid cuts, policy, save Medicaid
Multiple white marble columns on a bright day.

CommunicationFIRST Statement Opposing Attack on the Administration for Community Living

March 27, 2025 Communication FIRST

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

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Posted in: Accessibility, Health Care, Policy, Resources, Uncategorized Filed under: AAC, accessibility, augmentative and alternative communication, health care, Medicaid, Medicaid cuts, policy, save Medicaid
Black words over a white background read: “The most powerful way to advocate is to tell your story.” Blue quotes surround the text.

Advocating for Policy Change

March 19, 2025 Communication FIRST

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.

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Posted in: Accessibility, Health Care, Policy, Resources, Uncategorized Filed under: AAC, accessibility, augmentative and alternative communication, health care, Medicaid, Medicaid cuts, policy, save Medicaid
Alongside their aides, AAC users eat boxed lunches at a table in a hotel atrium.

What Would You Do Without Your Aide?

January 31, 2025 Communication FIRST

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!

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Posted in: Accessibility, Health Care, Policy, Resources, Uncategorized Filed under: AAC, accessibility, augmentative and alternative communication, health care, Medicaid, Medicaid cuts, policy, save Medicaid
A voice amplification device hangs from a strap around Sophie Bohnen's shoulder, and its microphone attachment is positioned by her mouth. Sophie smiles and looks at the camera as she holds up a printed program.

My Voice Wasn’t Coming Back

January 22, 2025 Communication FIRST

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.

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Posted in: Accessibility, Guest Blog, Uncategorized Filed under: AAC, accessibility, augmentative and alternative communication, guest blog
Outside the U.S. Capitol, CommunicationFIRST Policy Director Bob Williams poses with Executive & Legal Director Tauna Szymanski. The smiling co-founders sport sunglasses. An AAC device is fixed to Bob’s powerchair.

Bob Williams on the Power of Free Speech

December 15, 2024 Communication FIRST

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.

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Posted in: Accessibility, Policy, Uncategorized Filed under: AAC, accessibility, augmentative and alternative communication, nonspeaking, policy
A glimpse over the shoulder of Ren, a fat nonbinary person with glasses and a partially shaved head visible, as they type into the AAC app on their smartphone. On their lap, a blanket is visible, patterned with smiling cartoon ghosts in the colors of the transgender flag.

Communicating in Times of Stress

December 5, 2024 Communication FIRST

Our resource guides people with speech-related disabilities and mental health conditions, allies, and lifeline workers.

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Posted in: Resources, Uncategorized Filed under: AAC, augmentative and alternative communication, crisis, mental health, nonspeaking, resource, speech-related disabilities

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