The United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC) is an organization dedicated to supporting the needs and rights of people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). USSAAC is thinking of people with complex communication needs and their allies affected by Hurricane Harvey, and preparing its response. They have established a website (https://harveyaac.recovers.org/), designed to help people who use AAC and their family members in communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Individuals with complex communication needs, family members and professionals can request help that results in re-establishing someone's ability to communicate using AAC methods. Professionals, companies, and institutions can offer to donate or volunteer skills as well as tools and technologies by clicking on the buttons above. Information and offerings will be kept confidential and only shown to vetted organizations helping the AAC community. Organizations who join this effort can post their services, request resources, and access the databases of needs, donations, and volunteers.
Other resources or ways to support individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey are available on the USSAAC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ussaac1/.
Harvey is the kind of disaster whose effects, like those of Katrina, will last a long time. USSAAC stands ready to help, as we did in Hurricane Katrina and other disasters. Let them know how they can assist. Please visit https://harveyaac.recovers.org/ and take a look.
Updated Resources will also be made available on the USSAAC Emergency Preparedness Page.
Thanks, Leslie, from those of us in Texas for thinking about what is needed for AAC users in the aftermath of Harvey.
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