The Center worked with Senator Creem and Representative Bradley to re-file legislation which will help to ensure that teachers receive training in augmentative and alternative communication methods necessary to educate children with disabilities who are nonverbal or who have limited speech. Thousands of children (including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury), rely on augmentative and alternative communication methods to interact with others, and many students are now being included in regular education.

S. 223 An Act to Improve Augmentative and Alternative Communication Opportunities for Children with Disabilities (the “AAC Bill”) was introduced again this year and is similar to legislation filed previously. The earlier legislation passed in the Senate but was not voted on in the House prior to the end of the legislative session in June 2008 and did not become law. The bill directs the Board of Education to revise regulations for educator licensure so that all teachers are adequately prepared in methods of communication other than speech to facilitate interaction, to ensure that students with such disabilities can access the general education curriculum and to facilitate inclusion.

S. 223 AAC Bill; AAC Bill Summary; AAC Fact Sheet; AAC Panel Testimony from Joint Education Committee Hearing on October 20, 2009

To read about your rights regarding assistive technology and devices (including augmentative and alternative communication) under federal special education law. click here