Why is Literacy Critical in AAC?

Educational SessionsAAC Implementation
Written By Janice Reese

Why is Literacy Critical in AAC by Karen Erickson

“Karen Erickson, Ph.D. is the Director of the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies, a Professor in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, and the Yoder Distinguished Professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a former teacher whose current research addresses literacy and communication for students with significant disabilities, including complex communication needs.

“This 54 minute video depicts her passion as she addresses literacy instruction and the power of words for students with significant disabilities who use AAC. Dr. Erickson reviews the important components of quality literacy instruction, common pitfalls, the role of high technology, and the importance of literacy instruction in AAC.

“Dr. Erickson gave the keynote presentation on ‘Why is Literacy Critical in AAC?‘ during Communication Matters International AAC Conference in September 2019 in the U.K.”

Janice Reese

My name is Janice Reese and I LOVE assistive technology! I worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 15 years, earned a Master’s degree in Education Technology, and I’m RESNA certified as an Assistive Technology Profession (ATP). I have worked in the school system for many years now and I love using technology to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. Since my first love is teaching, I’ve spent just as much time training wonderful teachers everywhere to use these tools in their classrooms. AT4Kids, llc was founded in 2008 in an effort to provide quality instruction and resources for teachers, therapists, student users and parents who wanted to know more about using AT.

I currently serve as Director of the Center for Assistive Technology, a state-supported program of the Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative. LTVEC is a non-profit agency whose goal is to provide rehabilitation services and accessibility supports for students with special needs in east Tennessee. My AT4Kids blog is designed to be as a one-stop resource for ideas and information for those wanting to learn more about the use of AT with children in the special education setting.

I hope to offer helpful hints, program and product reviews, AT recommendations, links to great new finds on the web, and lists of resources for “all things AT”.

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