Peer Supports for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The contract involves funding a single three-year cooperative agreement aimed at developing sustainable peer support models for individuals who use or could benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) throughout their lives. The project must inclusively engage various stakeholders such as AAC users, nonprofit community-based service providers, self-advocacy organizations, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and support systems. Its purpose is to address the needs of approximately five million people in the U.S. who experience speech disabilities, including those with I/DD, to ensure they have access to community services and individualized supports that foster self-determination, independence, productivity, and full integration into community life. The overarching goal is to create a safe, supportive community environment where people who use or need AAC can share their experiences while enhancing knowledge, usage, and awareness of AAC technologies and strategies. This initiative aims to empower individuals with speech disabilities to live more independent, self-directed lives by using AAC tools tailored to their communication preferences and interests. The Administration for Community Living under the Department of Health and Human Services is overseeing this cooperative agreement, with Katherine Cargill-Willis serving as the point of contact for inquiries.