Mission Statement
We are a not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the most effective communication for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The two most important values expressed by people who rely on AAC are: 1. saying exactly what they want to say 2. saying it as fast as they can AAC services must honor these values of people who use AAC and their families. Achieving the goal of AAC (optimal communication & maximum potential) is best accomplished when the principles of evidence-based practice and performance measurement are used. AAC Institute, established in 2000, is a resource for all who are interested in enhancing the communication of people who rely on AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). Organized as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization, AAC Institute offers information and provides services worldwide. AAC Institute promotes the goal of AAC, the AAC Rules of Commitment, and evidence-based AAC clinical practice. This mission is accomplished through service delivery, research, activity organization, information dissemination, and education. AAC Institute personnel subscribe to high standards of professionalism and do not discriminate or make discriminatory remarks based on gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, socioeconomic status, and/ or sexual orientation.
About AAC Institute
The AAC Institute, short for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Institute, is an organization dedicated to promoting the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs. It has played a significant role in the development, research, and advocacy of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies and methods. The history of the AAC Institute traces back to the early days of AAC research and development, which gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, professionals and researchers began exploring ways to support individuals who were unable to communicate effectively through traditional speech methods due to various disabilities or conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, or traumatic brain injury.
As interest in AAC grew, the need for a centralized organization to coordinate efforts, disseminate information, and advocate for individuals using AAC became apparent. In response to this need, the AAC Institute was founded in 2000. It was established as a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the field of AAC through research, education, and outreach. Over the years, the AAC Institute has been instrumental in promoting evidence-based practices in AAC, conducting research to enhance communication technologies, providing professional development opportunities for speech-language pathologists, educators, and other professionals working in the field, and advocating for policies that support the rights of individuals with complex communication needs. The AAC Institute has also been actively involved in raising awareness about AAC among the general public and fostering collaboration among stakeholders including researchers, practitioners, individuals with disabilities, and their families.
Contact Information
Shannon Daddario
Phone: (412) 489-5527
scarney@aacinstitute.org