Welcome to NWACS! The Northwest Augmentative Communication Society (NWACS) is a nonprofit organization. Dr. David Beukelman helped form what is now known as NWACS in the 1970s. We run completely on volunteer power. Our focus is on educating and raising awareness about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

AAC is anything other than speech that a person uses to help them communicate. AAC benefits people of all ages when spoken language does not meet all their communication needs. Learn more about types of AAC HERE.

NWACS believes communication is a basic human right. The inclusion of AAC and AAC users is essential. We are always growing and learning about AAC. Our goal is for this website to be a valuable resource to our community - and welcome your input and feedback!


2024 Theme: AAC and Literacy

Text reads: NWACS Theme for 2024: AAC and Literacy

Literacy is a frequently requested topic from our NWACS community. We are excited to spend this year learning about the Literacy Bill of Rights. And hear AAC user perspectives on learning to read and write and accessing literacy in their lives.

Check out our AAC & Literacy resource page for an overview of the Literacy Bill of Rights. You will also find a large collection of resources to explore related to literacy development and instruction for complex communicators and AAC users!

AAC and Literacy Related Posts

As we explore the different literacy rights and AAC user perspectives, we plan to publish related blog and social media posts. We will add related posts into a collection for easy access. This collection will grow throughout the year! Check back to see what's new.


black and white calendar image with the text "NWACS Events"
 

Click the images below for information on upcoming NWACS events:

AAC Learning Network (formerly Evening Seminars) - Click for information on upcoming NWACS AAC Learning Network events.

Formerly Evening Seminars; virtual

Includes our virtual AAC+GLP Parent Meetup and virtual Study Buddies Meetings

Our biggest event of the year: our virtual fall AAC conference

 

Explore our events calendar. Find upcoming NWACS Events, local AAC events, and big AAC / AT conferences.