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ISAAC Conference

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Ten years of AAC in Bulgaria: achievements and problems

October 29 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Session ID: 1031

 

Objectives:

1. Describe how emergent AAC countries could benefit from the experience of Bulgaria.

2. Explain the critical barriers and facilitators identified the presentation.

Details

Date:
October 29
Time:
11:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Event Category:
Event Tags:

Organizer

Venue

Online (Zoom)

Speakers

  • Maurice Grinberg

    ASSIST – Assistive Technologies foundation and New Bulgarian University

Abstract

The term Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) was not known in Bulgaria back in 2014 and was first introduced in 2015 by “ASSIST – Assistive Technologies” (an NGO founded to raise awareness about AAC). Since then, a lot has happened and presently the use of AAC is officially part of the programs of development of the inclusive education system in Bulgaria.

The recent ICF-based evaluation of all children with SEN includes AAC as a possible recommendation for assistive technology. Steps have been undertaken for financial support to the families for acquiring AAC devices, and early access to AAC is part of the national plan for the prevention of violence against children with communicative impairments which has been available for several years. Much effort has been devoted to the qualification of professionals in AAC (a well-known problem) with the decisive support of UNICEF resulting in the creation of a national AAC team.