YAACK: Augmentative Communication Resource Guide for Young Kids

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone and welcome newcomers!

I want to join in this thread and post a comprehensive website,

YAACK, which answer questions and concerns about the use of ACC

devices. The YAACK resource is informative/helpful for those

interested in learning more about augmentative and alternative

communication.

Mustafa

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young

Kids (YAACK) Home Page

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/index.html

" Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young

Kids (YAACK) is a website that covers issues related to AAC and

young children. Its purpose is to provide information and guidance to

families, teachers, speech/language pathologists and anyone else who

is involved with a child with special communication needs. It is

intended to be easy to understand and practical, and to cover a wide

range of topics dealing with AAC and AAC-related issues of children

at various ages and stages of communication ability, and with

different strengths, disabilities and learning characteristics.

YAACK is based on the premise that the purpose of AAC is to assist

the child in attaining the quality of life that approaches the level

of satisfaction and meaningfulness that would have been possible if

the child did not have a communication disability. Therefore, the

child's ability to communicate when, where and what is desired is

the goal; AAC is just the means. YAACK emphasizes the individuality

of each child, and stresses the fact that there is no single solution

or set of procedures that will work for every child. Success depends

on really getting to know and understand the child, and then

developing and implementing a communication program that takes into

account his or her unique characteristics. "

What is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b0.html

When does a child need AAC?

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b1.html

Risk factors for a communication impairment

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b1.html#b1a

Does AAC impede natural speech? —and other fears

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b2.html

Finding answers to specific AAC questions

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b5.html

Communication boards and VOCAs

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/d5.html#d5b

Children with specific disabilities

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/d4.html

Children with apraxia

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/d4.html#d4f

Children with motor impairments

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/d4.html#d4a

On-line AAC discussion groups

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b5.html#b5a

Books

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b5.html#b5b

" The following are listings of books on AAC and communication-

related issues. "

" Selected Books on Augmentative Communication and Adaptive Play "

compiled by J. Burkhart is located at

www.lburkhart.com/sr.htm#2.

" Augmentative and Alternative Communication Related Reference List "

compiled by Dr. R. Beukelman and Dr. Pat Mirenda at

aac.unl.edu/aacinref.html.

Other Internet resources

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b5.html#b5c

" The following are Internet websites with a strong focus on AAC

and/or communication disability-related issues. They are not

arranged in any particular order. "