Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC includes all of the ways we share our ideas and feelings without talking.
Our AAC Team
Alexander Nikodem
MA, CCC-SLP
Kathryn Boruta
MA, CCC-SLP
Learn More About AAC
CSH Camp Chatterbox
Camp Chatterbox is a one week overnight camp for children and young adults, ages 5-22, who use synthesized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. All campers participate in a range of social, recreational, and educational activities to promote use of their communication systems and interact with other children.
How do I model AAC?
AAC in Jersey City
Jersey City is taking a proactive stance in its school district by embracing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to support the diverse needs of its students. Through innovative programs and collaborations, the district has implemented AAC technology and training for educators, enabling students with speech and communication challenges to effectively express themselves. This initiative not only fosters inclusivity and equal educational opportunities, but also paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible learning environment, ensuring that all students can thrive and succeed.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Communication Boards for Jersey City Public Schools
Contributed by JCEA member Maggie Cecchini, M.A., CCC-SLP
As I was browsing online, I found a fellow New Jersey speech therapist, Molly Cervini from Eat Play Learn LLC, who unveiled a communication board in her local park. A communication board is a sheet of symbols, pictures or photos that a child will learn to point to, to communicate with those around them.  This sparked my interest. It was a wonderful idea to support inclusivity for nonspeaking children within their local community.
​
When I presented the idea of obtaining a community communication board for our district, the administration whole-heartedly supported my vision. We are extremely grateful that Subaru’s “Share the Love“ was able to fund seven communication boards for the Jersey City Public Schools. Each board will be placed near cafeterias or in outdoor courtyards at schools that have a high population of students on the autism spectrum.
​
The boards will enable nonspeaking students to have access to language support during lunch and recess. Not only will the boards benefit the students with functional communication skills, but they will also promote interdisciplinary collaboration for speech-language pathologists and teachers.
AAC Continuum
