Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) App- TouchChat

Grant

School: Bluemont Elementary
Subject/Area of Influence: Special Education
Cost of Grant: $300

I have a great need for funding for an AAC app called TouchChat HD- AAC w/ WordPower to provide one student who has complex communication needs a voice. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for a student who is learning language and does not yet have the words to communicate their wants, needs, thoughts, and emotions. In fact, many students require the school district to locate funding sources for AAC apps/devices district-wide. Once AAC is able to be funded and provided to the student, a whole new world opens up to them. Suddenly, they can tell their teachers exactly what they need without resorting to unsafe behaviors. They begin to learn that their words have value, and they are empowered to use communication to reach their full potential. In the long-term, we see students go from not using any words, to talking in full sentences within one to two years. Others may use the AAC their entire life as their primary form of communication.

The goal is that every student would have a way to communicate- every individual has the right to a voice. It all starts with us providing it and teaching them how to use it during their foundational years in PK and elementary school, but we need the help with funding.

Courtney Canaday- 1-5th Grade Specialist Teacher