National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities (NJC)

The purpose of the NJC is to advocate for individuals with significant communication support needs resulting from intellectual disability, that may coexist with autism, sensory and/or motor limitation. The NJC is made up of representatives from eight member organizations, and focuses on research, policy, practice, and education. Read the history of the NJC.

NJC members talk about challenges faced by individuals with severe disabilities. Read more about this video.

Apply for the 2024 McLean-Yoder Award (MYAPE)!
The NJC encourages you to nominate innovative teams. The submission deadline is November 1, 2024.

Contribute to the McLean Yoder Schiefelbusch Fund (MYS Fund) 
The NJC plans to endow this ASHFoundation fund so that student scholars can receive support for research on the communication needs of people with severe disabilities. Find out more and how to donate.

In Memoriam
The NJC is sad to announce the loss of one of its founders and a giant in the field of AAC, David E. Yoder. Read more about Dr. Yoder. Memorial contributions may be made to the David E. and Dolores J. (Dee) Yoder Professorship in Literacy and Disability Studies, c/o the UNC Health Foundation or to the McLean Yoder Schiefelbusch Fund c/o the ASHFoundation (indicate MYS Fund in the "Comments" box).

NC Network
The NJC Network is a group of professionals with a common interest in enhancing communication effectiveness for individuals with severe disabilities. Joining the network doesn't involve cost or any specific obligation. You'll hear about NJC networking opportunities. Join the NJC Network!

Accessing Services

• Decision Making in Termination of Services
• Funding for Communication Services and Supports
• Myths About Adult Communicators With Severe Disabilities
• Relation of Age to Service Eligibility
• Relation of Developmental Age to Service Eligibility

Intervention Issues and Practices

• Applied Behavior Analysis and Communication Services
• Assessment and Teaming
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Challenging Behavior as Communication
• Definition of Communication
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice for Birth–3
• Inclusion

• Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
• Intervention With Special Populations
• Literacy in Individuals With Severe Disabilities
• Providing Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Services
• Services to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Transitions/Generalization of Skill
• Types of Service