AAC and community partnerships: The participation path to community inclusion

Abstract

The Life Needs Model (LNM) of service delivery emphasizes the importance of community participation in children's development and quality of life. This article is a case illustration of two community partnership programs based on the LNM. StoryTime and Dress Up and Drama provide participation opportunities in the community for children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The authors describe the development and implementation of both programs. Regardless of level of functioning, each child who participated in the programs did so by communicating, interacting socially, and controlling the environment. Multiple benefits for children, parents/caregivers, community partners, and AAC clinicians are highlighted. The authors hope that this article will assist others in developing partnerships and implementing inclusive practices within their communities.

Keywords:

• AAC
• Participation
• Children
• Community
• Partnership
• Literacy
• Story reading
• Drama
• Peer mentor

Notes

1 The Opportunities to Participate manual is available from the Thames Valley Children's Centre, 779 Base Line Rd E., London, ON, Canada N6C 5Y6.

2 The OTP Community Partnership Development Model is available from the Thames Valley Children's Centre, 779 Base Line Rd E., London, ON, Canada N6C 5Y6.