Communication for All- AAC purchase

Communication is a fundamental right and foundational skill for accessing the world.

Regardless of age, status, ability, or communicative capacity, all people have the right to receive and convey messages, hold opinions, and express themselves. Communication enhances one's quality of life and increases dignity.

Hi there!

Our names are Liz Jolie and Maggie Wood, and we are special education teachers working with students with multiple and severe disabilities. We're reaching out to you so that we can support individuals nearing the end of their time in the public school system or who have aged-out, ensuring individuals experience adulthood with their voices.

Imagine spending years learning to use alternative modes of communication, learning to communicate, building your vocabulary, and increasing your fluency, only to be stripped of your voice upon graduation. How would you feel?

Currently, we know many individuals who use speech-generating devices to communicate and all will experience a devastating end. When a student ages-out (graduates), devices are taken back and recycled to be used by younger students. Ultimately, this leaves one individual entering adulthood with no voice and continues the cycle, setting another up to experience the same frustration in the future.

Together we can circumvent the broken systems and break the cycle. Your donation will support purchasing devices (tablets) and speech-generating programming (TouchChat). Each individual will receive a personal device. We will assist families in setting up accounts, provide training on how to use the technology, and individualize each device (i.e., language, vocabulary, etc.) to be meaningfully functional for each individual.

This fundraiser is unaffiliated with any district or school and funds will be used to directly supply devices for individual people/families.

Check out the information below to learn more about TouchChat!

About TouchChat:

TouchChat HD is a full-featured communication solution for individuals with difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech.

TouchChat provides English and Spanish options in one universal app supporting iPhone®, iPod touch®, and iPad®. Additional languages, such as Canadian French, Hebrew, and Arabic, can be purchased in the Upgrade Store.

TouchChat fits into the category of assistive technology known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and includes features previously only available in much more expensive dedicated devices. Words, phrases, and messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing a recorded message. Various synthesized and custom voice options are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their personality.

Text generated with TouchChat pages can be shared on social media or via iMessage® and email using a wireless connection. Generate a message, push on the text window and choose a service. Additionally, text can be copied to/from TouchChat and other applications so it can be spoken out loud.