Annotated Communication Resource Guide - An annotated guide to communication resources, including basic information on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), that provides excellent guidance to help get started or advance work already being done.
Communication Bill of Rights - The National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities (NJC), Communication Bill of Rights. The NJC is part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Communication Consultants Serving Vermont - A list of Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluators and other communication/assistive technology access specialists who work with adults with developmental disabilities in Vermont.
Communication Dictionary - A document that helps to outline the ways in which an individual communicates. This is an important tool for people who do not communicate using methods such as speech, writing or symbols.
Communication Planning Checklist - a checklist to assist an individual and their team in identifying specific needs for communication so an appropriate plan can be developed within their Individual Support Agreement (ISA) to meet these needs.
Communication Plan Training Slides: How to Write a Communication Plan - a PowerPoint presentation that reviews the purpose and components of a Communication Plan, what makes an effective Plan, incorporating technology, and how best to use them.
Communication Technology Information Form - a form to collect information essential to the use and maintenance of a person's communication device.
A Guide to Medicaid Funding for Communication Evaluations and Devices - A funding guide to help people who are eligible follow the Medicaid process to obtain a communication evaluation and a communication device/system. Includes mobile devices (e.g., iPads).
LISTEN – A short 5-1/2 minute film made by and with nonspeaking autistic people, produced by CommunicationFIRST. More information about CommunicationFIRST
Making Communication Happen - Tools to Help Teams Plan and Provide Communication Supports - A hands-on guide to help individuals and their support teams identify communication needs and develop a meaningful communication plan to include in the individual's Individual Support Plan. Detailed guidance is provided for developing communication outcomes, goals, and support strategies. Includes a Communication Plan form, Communication Checklist and sample documents.
The Words We Use: CommunicationFIRST's Style Guide - a brief history of words to describe "people who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood." It provides a list of "Words we Currently Use" and "Words we Currently Avoid" - and why.
Utter Communication Strategies - Mark Utter is a self-proclaimed inspirational speaker who types to communicate. Mark's communication strategies uses humor and insight to connect us to ourselves and others.
Wretches & Jabberers Website - A website about a road trip filmed by Gerardine Wurzburg that "sheds personal light on the global face of autism." "[This] compelling documentary chronicles the world travels of disability rights advocates [from Vermont], Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, in a bold quest to change attitudes about the intelligence and abilities of people with autism." The site includes Larry's and Tracy's blogs and information on how to watch the film.