On This Page
Become part of Division 12 and help the division make a difference in ASHA!
Announcements
Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication is now available online only, published by ASHA with HighWire Press. Perspectives is published 4 times annually in April, June, September, and December. Division 12 is a CE Provider and offers its issues for self-study to earn CEUs.)
Consumers
Looking for information on AAC? Check this online glossary of terms and Communication Facts: AAC.
HCPCS Codes
Check out the HCPCS Codes for speech-generating devices! For general information about coding, visit the coding page in the members area.
AAC in the Schools
Division 12 sponsored a live forum event September 12. Missed the event? You can view the exchange between participants and experts: AAC in the Schools: Strategies for Success.
A discussion of this topic has begun in the ASHA forums. Unlike a live forum event, there is no time limit for posting. Access is open to all ASHA and NSSLHA members.
Mission and Goal
Our Mission
The mission of Division on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, the division dedicated to improving the quality and availability of AAC services to consumers throughout the life span, is to promote clinically relevant research, educate and mentor current and future professionals, and identify and address the needs of service providers in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
Goal
It is the goal of the Special Interest Division for Augmentative and Alternative Communication to:
- Promote continuing education for ASHA members at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels;
- Advocate for ASHA membership regarding clinical service needs; and
- Advocate for preservice and inservice personnel preparation in the area of augmentative and alternative communication.
Professional and Clinical Issues
Affiliate members have a direct voice in addressing issues that impact on their profession, to communicate and network on a variety of topics, and to identify clinical issues that need immediate attention. It is hoped that working groups will be developed to focus on topics important to the affiliates. Possible areas of interest include the following:
- Assistive technologies
- Language development patterns of augmented communicators
- Predictive evaluation procedures
- Specialty certification
- Early identification of children at risk for developing speech
- Innovations in intervention models
- Directions for the development of technology that promotes language and communication development
- AAC caseload size
- Funding of AAC services
- Intensity and frequency of direct services
- Literacy development of augmented communicators
- Currently available inservice materials and opportunities
- Preservice coursework in AAC
- Preservice practicum requirement
- Facilitating research in AAC
- Ethical issues in AAC
Affiliate Benefits
Perspectives
Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Commununication is published 4 times annually in April, June, September, and December, and features
- Articles on clinical topics
- Articles on professional and practice issues
Affiliates can earn CEUs through self-study of Perspectives.
Access Perspectives Indexes (1992-2005) [PDF].
Continuing Education
Division 12 is an ASHA approved continuing education provider. In addition to newsletter self-study, the division holds an annual leadership conference through which CEUs are available. The division also sponsors a Short Course at the annual ASHA Convention.
- Leadership Conference: Participants in the Division 12-sponsored annual leadership conference can earn CEUs; Division 12 affiliates enjoy a discounted registration fee.
- Short Course: Division 12 affiliates are eligible for a 50% discount on a Short Course at ASHA Convention.
E-mail List
Division 12 sponsors an exclusive e-mail list (for Division 12 affiliates only).
Networking
Affiliates have the opportunity to identify others with interest in augmentative and alternative communication through affiliate meetings and participation in the e-mail list.
Representation Within ASHA
- The Division 12 Coordinator represents the Special Interest Division on Augmentative and Alternative Communication within the ASHA Board of Division Coordinators.
- The Steering Committee responds to ASHA requests for input regarding policy, guidelines, committees, and other issues.
- Affiliates have the opportunity to provide input to the division leadership and ASHA.
Steering Committee
Members
Coordinator: Amy S. Goldman, Temple University
Associate Coordinator: Mary Ann H. Lowe, Nova Southeastern University
Ellen M. Kravitz, Massachussetts Easter Seals
Joanne Lasker, Florida State University
Mary Ann Abbott, Los Angeles Unified School District/California State University, Los Angeles
Ex Officios
Julie B. Noel, Monitoring Vice President for Speech-Language Pathology Practice
Gwendolyn D. Wilson, Monitoring Vice President for Audiology Practice
Kerry Chmielenski, Associate Director, Special Interest Divisions
Division Volunteer Program Managers
Perspectives Editor: Cynthia C. Millikin
CE Administrator: Sara Scarborough, University of South Carolina
Return to Top
|