Communication Services
Expression Connection
Expression Connection is a program of the DSCBA Educational Alliance. Through this program, we ensure that children who have communication and speech difficulty due to Down syndrome have access to Augmentative Alternative Communication systems (AAC). It is our goal to make sure every individual is empowered and has the ability to communicate. We offer a lending library of AAC devices, consultations and training presentations. To learn more about the program, please see our information guide here.
Email Us for More information Here
Thank you to the California Communication Access Foundation for giving the gift of expression to our members and education to their families and schools!
Low Tech Library
Children and adults with moderate to severe speech impairments benefit from alternative and additional ways to talk. Communication boards are a great low-tech AAC tool to quickly improve basic communication. These boards can also be utilized as visual supports to help with comprehension and/or following multi step tasks. Explore our inventory here.
How the library works
Find a board and print! Select the pdf file, download it to your device and print.
Customize. Did you find a board that will work but needs a little personalization such as pictures, names, etc.? Customization of a board can be requested by submitting this form.
Low Tech Library Inventory
Augmentative Alternative Communication Resources
AAC In Action |
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No Tech "No Tech" AAC are methods people use to communicate without using external supports and devices |
Low Tech Icons on paper or objects used to communicate |
Light Tech Communication systems that are often battery operated and have a static display |
High Tech Systems that require an electronic source and have a dynamic (changing) display |
Communication Partner Supports |
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A Vital Role Communication partners make all the difference when it comes to encouraging, engaging, and teaching communication. |
AAC Calendar Daily activities to facilitate AAC use
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AAC in your day
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AAC Manual for Caregivers
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Free AAA/AT Resources |
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Don Johnson Free AT supports for reading and writing provided to educators!
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AAC Companies
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Cough Drop |
AAC Lending Library
We also have various devices in our AAC lending library. Check out what we have here.
If you are interested in borrowing from the AAC lending library, please contact:
- Download a copy of the Loan Agreement here.
AAC Resources
The following presentations have been presented at the DSCBA:
- AAC Basics: Provides AAC definitions and systems, and identifying when AAC is needed
- AAC Services: Discusses where services can be obtained and the components that guide AAC intervention
- AAC & Literacy Instruction: Presents literacy models and AAC/literacy implementation and programs
- AAC Myths: Identifies common myths and truths about AAC
- AAC Systems and Strategies for Individuals Diagnosed With DS/ASD
- Fostering Friendships: Explores interpersonal, educational, and communicative components for facilitating friendships
- Personal Books: Discusses the hows and whys of creating personal books to support literacy
- Power of Communication: Highlights AAC systems and strategies utilized in 4 diverse children with Down syndrome
- Access through AT: Shares tech-based tools and strategies to make math, reading, and writing more accessible
- COMMUNICATION APP WHEEL: Communication apps organized by function and features.
- Non-Content-Specific Apps: These are great apps to reinforce and modify curriculum. Fun learning tools!
- AAC Apps: Brought to us by our friends at the Technology Resource Center of Marin.
- Funding Guide: Dr. Marilyn Buzolich, a world-renowned AAC specialist from San Francisco, CA. You can find more information at www.acts-at.com.
- PRAACTICAL AAC: A blog about the state of the field, sharing information about implementing AAC strategies, providing resources and discussing news of interest to the AAC community.
- YAACK: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young Kids (YAACK) is a website that covers issues related to AAC and young children.
- AAC INSTITUTE: A nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to the most effective communication for people who rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL: The Augmentative Communication Program has a rich history in the design, development and research of assistive technology in issues related to augmentative communication.
- SPECTRONICS: A great resource for AAC communication-based apps.
- ACTS: ACTS has provided AAC and AT services in the Bay Area since 1982. In addition to services, ACTS contains a wealth of information regarding best practices in AAC and funding.
Program Feedback
