International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)

ISAAC – the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication – is a membership organization working to improve the lives of children and adults with complex communication needs.

ISAAC’s goal is to create worldwide awareness about how AAC can support individuals without speech. ISAAC accomplishes this by sharing information and promoting innovative approaches to research, technology and literacy through AAC. Activities include hosting the ISAAC biennial conference, sponsoring projects, and offering awards and scholarships.

ISAAC was formed in 1983.

ISAAC has Chapters in 17 countries or regions around the world.

ISAAC members include people who use AAC, their families, therapists, teachers, students, doctors, researchers, organizations and companies that make communication aids.

The ISAAC International office is located in Toronto, Canada.

ISAAC’s Vision is that AAC will be recognized, valued and used throughout the world.

ISAAC’s Mission is to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs.

ISAAC is a Non-Governmental Organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

AAC is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve everyday communicative challenges. Communication can take many forms such as: speech, a shared glance, text, gestures, facial expressions, touch, sign language, symbols, pictures, speech-generating devices, etc. Everyone uses multiple forms of communication, based upon the context and our communication partner. Effective communication occurs when the intent and meaning of one individual is understood by another person. The form is less important than the successful understanding of the message.

Communication takes many forms, and people communicate in multiple ways. Everyone uses AAC. However, when an individual has complex communication needs and the use of speech is limited in a range of settings, it is useful to utilize a well thought-out system, customized for the individual’s needs and environments.

Limitations in the use of speech may be due to many causes, such as:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Developmental language delays
• Traumatic brain injury
• Progressive neurological disorders, such as ALS
• Stroke
• Certain genetic disorders
• Ataxia, dyspraxia
• Aphasia
• Multiple challenges
• Temporary medical conditions such as a tracheotomy
• Young children who are at risk for communication disorders
• Etc.

Research and clinical experience show that the use of AAC with children does not block the development of speech. Quite the contrary, the use of alternative or augmentative communication often facilitates the development of speech for children who will be able to develop speech. AAC is now used successfully with very young children who are at risk.