19th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)
Project Description:
This award will support an international scientific meeting entitled: The 19th Biennial Conference of the
International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC): Communication Beyond
Borders, to be held in Cancun, Mexico from August 1st-6th, 2020. The primary goal is to convene people from 15
different ISAAC chapters and 42 countries to promote and inspire innovative scientific research & development
and clinical practice for AAC. One unique objective of the 2020 meeting is to establish a Spanish speaking ISAAC
chapter that incorporates Spanish speakers from the US, Central America, South America, Spain and elsewhere.
The primary audience will be interprofessional with delegates from multiple stakeholder groups (including people
with disabilities and families) engaged in addressing the needs of people with severe communication disorders
worldwide. More than 4 million Americans and an estimated 97 million citizens worldwide present with significant
communication disorders that affect their ability to use speech and language to communicate. For persons who
have little or no intelligible speech and/or difficulty with language, the use of augmentative and alternative
communication (AAC) tools is critical to support communication and facilitate their participation in all aspects of
daily life. It is estimated that globally 83% of individuals with severe communication impairments do not receive
needed communication supports from trained professionals.
ISAAC 2020 will be devoted to create a forum where researchers, practitioners, people who use AAC
and families critically explore the current status of people with severe communication impairments from all
cultures. The theme Communication Beyond Borders will challenge the AAC community to think beyond their
local work contexts to embrace broader global practices. The conference represents ISAACs efforts (1) to build
AAC professional capacity in countries that are traditionally underserved, and to encourage manufacturers,
researchers, people who use AAC, families, and professionals globally to take an active part in research that
ensures a more rapid translation of research into practice, and practice into research; (2) to keep developing
best practices and quality services for individuals who use AAC by staying informed and actively engaging with
practice innovations and advances; and (3) to foster partnerships and connections among and across local,
national and international communities. Nine different conference formats will be held, including master classes
taught by content experts and research discussion panels moderated by people with disabilities. Three specific
aims are proposed that will (1) bring experts to the meeting for presentation of the latest AAC science and
to interact with young professionals; (2) bring people with disabilities and underrepresented participants
to the meeting; and (3) support learning and informal networking. The Cancun International Conference
Center is accessible, with a blender bar to modify texture diets; a quiet room for sensory breaks and family care
resources. A formal evaluation post-meeting is planned by ISAAC survey.
Keyword(s):
AAC, ISAAC, speech and language disorders, complex communication
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
International
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
