'Everyone Communicates' announces public webcam project

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

ARLINGTON, Va. -- "Everyone Communicates" a volunteer demonstration and advocacy group that supports the use of alternative methods of communications by individuals with severe communication impairments, announced a public webcam event throughout the United States in connection with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month, sponsored worldwide by ISAAC (International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication).

There are an estimated 2.5 to 3.6 millions individuals in the United States who experience communication impairments that require alternative means of communication. They range from individuals with autism and dyspraxia to individuals who have had strokes or other physical impairments that require alternative means to communicate such as computers or other devices.

"Everyone Communicates" has launched a month-long project to raise AAC visibility around the United States.

"We want to make sure that people who already use alternative communication methods are visible in their community and around the world. They may be the mentors and role models who help other and their families and supporters to pursue AAC methods themselves or with people whom they know," said Judy Bailey, Project Director, Everyone Communicates.

Everyone Communicates has located over 540 public accessible webcams. They are encouraging people who use alternative communication methods to spend some time communicating in easy view of one of the webcams. They hope that friends will capture the cam view on their computer or photos. Everyone Communicates will publicize these efforts through social networks and a dedicated website: http://aacvisibilityandawareness.blogspot.com/.

"We believe that everyone communicates and that everyone can learn to communicate effectively, with access to the right training, support and technology. There is a large array of communication methods and devices that may make communication possible for them. We hope this webcam project helps spread the word that there are always alternatives to explore when someone has little or no effective speech," said Barbara Cunningham, Ed.D., a volunteer on the project whose autistic son uses AAC.

The Everyone Communicates website lists the over 540 public webcams in all 50 states that can be used by participants during October.

"We are hopeful that there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of demonstrations," said Bailey. "Thousands of people around the world are waiting, in silence, for access to training, support and technology to communicate."