Fire 2022
AAC Disaster Relief & Recovery
Do You Have a Communication Disability? Disaster-related Problems?
If You Need AAC Help
"What Type of Help Can I Expect to Receive?"
The USSAAC AAC Disaster Relief Project can help you replace lost or damaged AAC devices (also called speech generating devices or SGDs), switches, mounting systems, and no-tech communication books/boards. We may also be able to help with batteries and chargers specific to AAC.
Assistance from this project is limited to individuals who live in the US and its territories.
"What Needs are NOT Covered by This Project?"
Our focus is communication disability, specifically AAC. We are unable to provide financial or material assistance for things like:
- Rent and lodging
- Clothing and shoes
- Diapers, car seats, and formula
- Furniture, bedding, and household items
- Phones, cell phones, and cell phone plans
- Computers and laptops (unless needed for AAC)
- Consumer electronics, like TVs, radios, and stereos
- Medication, medical bills or supplies like catheters and needles
- Transportation (unless related to an AAC assessment) and vehicles
"I need AAC help. What do I do next?"
- Go to the AAC Disaster Relief website (https://aacdisasterrelief.recovers.org/)
- Click the 'I have a need' button.
- Enter the information about your AAC or assistive technology need.
- Enter your contact information.
- Watch for a response from us at the email and/or phone number that you provided.
How to Volunteer
Additional Resources
About the AAC Disaster Relief Project
The AAC Disaster Relief Project is an ongoing effort of the US AAC Society (USSAAC). Started in 2005 in response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, a group of AAC professionals first identified people who lost access to their AAC in this disaster, then assisted by replacing devices so that those individuals with complex communication needs once again were able to express their wants/needs, ask questions, give information, and get emotional support. Following the initial recovery period, this group turned their attention to building resilience in the AAC community affected by Katrina, hosting a full conference, AAC and All That Jazz, to further educate AAC professionals who serve this community on a long-term basis.
Since that time, the AAC Disaster Relief Committee has organized support for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey (Texas), Irma (Florida), Maria (Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands), Florence (the Carolinas), and now Michael (southeastern US) as well as those impacted by massive wildfires in California. In 2017, USSAAC partnered with a nation-wide disaster relief organization, Recovers, to create an interactive web platform connecting those in need with those who can assist.
Currently, the AAC Disaster Relief portal, is monitored by USSAAC volunteers who log and respond to all requests and offers of support.
"I'd Like to Donate."
If you would like to support USSAAC's efforts with a monetary donation, please click here.
To donate Speech Generating Devices, AAC app codes, or other AAC-related items, use the "I Want to Give" button here. List the items you would like to donate, and we will get in touch with you when there is a need that matches your offer.
Our Donors
Donors
- Prentke Romich Company/Saltillo
- Tobii Dynavox Company
- American Red Cross
- Talk to Me Technologies
- Romich Foundation
- Small Footprint
- Anonymous
In-Kind Donations
- Alexicom
- American Red Cross
- AssistiveWare
- ATinNH (New Hampshire’s Assistive Technology Act Program)
- Attainment
- Low Tech Solutions
- Pyramid Educational Consultants
- Saltillo
- SmartyEars
- SpeakMODalities
- Talk To Me Technologies
- WATR (Wyoming’s Assistive Technology Act Program)