Coming to the end of International AAC Awareness Month 2022 we have put together some ideas from experts, for those working with AAC symbol sets in multicultural situations.
Open-design and co-creation of AAC pictographic symbols is rarely written about in research journals. Adding and adapting symbols to open licensed symbol sets requires care and understanding of the needs of potential users, plus changes that occur in society or settings over time, as well as an appreciation of any limitations due to a previously developed design style and schema.
Last year the Churchill Fellowship COVID-19 Action Fund enabled us to provide resources to help carers build visual aids to support those who have speech and language difficulties in challenging situations. We have recently updated the free online and downloadable materials.
UNICEF in the ECARO region recently held an online event to reflect on the experience and lessons learned in establishing AAC within Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The event provided a jumping-off point for further work and action within the region and beyond.
Over the last month many Ukranians have had to leave their country. We have been trying to see how we can help. As a start we have gathered together some links to resources that might help with communication needs across several countries supporting refugees as well as links to those with donation buttons and free translated communication boards.