GLOBAL AAC
Providing Speech Generating Devices and other Assistive Technology
challenges to development of AAC for underserved populations
multiple languages
varied access to tech tools
limited training
scarcity of public school funding
lack of health insurance funding
overcoming challenges
The Nika Project brings human and technological resources “to the table”:
missions conducted in-person by small groups focused on AAC problem solving … practicing SLPs, students studying speech communication disorders, and donations of AAC software and hardware
pictured here are AAC products donated to the AIISH AAC Lab in Mysore, India
AIISH
All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore, India
In July 2016, fifteen low tech digitized speech devices were donated to AIISH: 11 were given to children with AAC needs; 4 were retained by AIISH for their speech lab.
It all began with an idea …
Can AAC devices be recycled for a second useful life in the hands of users of AAC in other countries where neither public schools nor health insurance pay for AAC?
What are some obstacles to developing AAC in such countries?
New Assistive Technology Center in Sri Lanka
Dr. Muttiah received her PhD in Speech-Language Pathology at Penn State University and returned to her native Sri Lanka, opening a new Assistive Technology Center at the Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya.
Happy keyboarding with donated adjustable AbleWare head pointer and ChesterCreek large font keyboard with bright contrasting letters
Other Global AAC projects throughout the years
Remote AAC course for graduate SLPs at Manipal College of Heath Professions (MCHP), Manipal, India
access methods
positioning and mounting
AAC software and hardware
Sept - Dec 2024 once per week - one hour class
Graduate students at MCHP experience eye tracking on donated I-15 device: Dec 2024
Remote AAC course on eye tracking for Pediatric Rehabilitation Dept at Jupiter Hospital, Indore, India
modes of eye tracking (dwell, blink and in combination with switch selection)
May - Jun 2024 once per week - one hour class
Dr. Aditi Neema, Pediatric Rehab Dept at Jupiter Hospital received donated I-12, and subsequent eye tracking training.
Nika also donated several iPads and AAC products from AbleNet, Dynavox, IntelliTools, Prentke Romich Company and Rehadapt to this new AT Center.
Remote AAC Course for undergraduate students of speech therapy at AIISH, Mysore, India
access methods
positioning and mounting
AAC software and hardware
Jun - July 2024 once per week - one hour class
Shown above, some of the 65 donated AAC products to AIISH in Mysore
Donated Tobii Dynavox I-12 to Dr. Apoorva Pauranik, neurologist specializing in aphasia, who wanted to research the possible advantages of utilizing eye tracking for his patients who have experienced a stroke affecting speech communication. Nika shipped I-12 to Dr. Pauranik in June 2024 and visited him in Indore during December 2024.
Provide AAC devices and let them take off!
Shown in this video is a resident of the Autism Ashram in Hyderabad, India.
