When does aces begin? The Augmentative Communication Empowerment S

Information and Expectations

The Augmentative Communication Empowerment Supports (ACES) program begins with at least TWO planning meetings with your team and ACES staff to discuss your communication, your transition, and your goals for ACES. We will help you research funding, add needed vocabulary to your device, and review computer access equipment and settings.

The on-campus portion begins when you arrive at Temple University for 10 days of intensive instruction. Check-in dates and time will be confirmed at a later date, but is tentatively scheduled for be on Friday, July 15 from 3:00 PM — 5:00 PM.

Who should attend?

If you use a speech-generating device and are motivated to learn how to communicate more efficiently and effectively; if you can tolerate a full and intense schedule; if you are “in transition” to a new phase of independence in life, work, or community living; you should attend!

Due to the rigorous schedule of ACES, those who have difficulty tolerating a full day of activity would not be a good match for the program.

A unique feature of ACES is that, along with providing training to each participant, ACES provides an opportunity for a member of each participant’s team to receive training. Participants are required to bring at least one member of their team to the 10-day program; this person is considered a tutor and will attend classes with you and help prepare assignments. Also, if you require personal assistance services (e.g. for self-care and activities of daily living), you are expected to bring or arrange for your own personal assistant. Sometimes the same person acts as the tutor and the personal assistant.

Participants live in Temple University’s dormitories at Temple Towers during the program. All meals are provided by the ACES program through catering and stipends.

A large amount of material is covered during the 10 days of coursework, which makes ACES go quickly! However, all classes will move at the pace that benefits individual program participants.

The schedule at ACES will require attentive participation throughout the day. You are expected to attend and participate in all classes during the day, which will begin at 8:30 AM and conclude at 4 PM; each class is approximately 1.5 hours long. You will be given a short homework assignment to complete each night. There are multiple instructors, counselors, and volunteers to help you learn.

Are there any breaks?

Ample time has been worked into the schedule for meals, breaks, and moving from one class to another. If you need additional breaks, you are encouraged to ask for them as needed.

In these classes, you will learn to operate and customize your device, including special advanced features. You will learn how to store new vocabulary, create page sets, use integrated computer skills (e.g., MP3 music player, text messaging) and apply a variety of strategies to improve your communication rate and effectiveness with your device.

You will learn public speaking skills, interviewing skills, and how to prevent and repair communication breakdowns.

You will increase your knowledge of your rights and responsibilities as a person with disabilities. You will learn about the ADA, self-advocacy, future planning and goal-setting (including higher education and/or employment). You will also learn about key topics such as independent living and how to find and access resources and supports to facilitate your transition.

You will learn how to interface your device with your computer and/or use adapted computer equipment, if needed. Topics may include using a computer to transfer and back-up device memory, using word processing, sending emails, searching the internet, and other common computer applications.

You will get to know other participants during your classes. There will be additional social activities planned in the evening and on the weekend. Participation in these activities is not mandatory (but is encouraged!). You are welcome to explore Philadelphia independently during your free time. These social times provide opportunities to practice your new communication skills and make new friendships!

After 10 days of hard work, lots of learning, and loads of fun you are going to participate in a graduation ceremony, at which you’ll be expected to give a short speech. In the weeks following the ceremony, you can expect ACES staff to provide you with follow-along services for technical assistance and support via telephone, email and when possible, in person.

Most importantly, ACES is not a summer camp! It is an intensive program that requires a great deal of motivation and hard work from each participant. Those who have attended ACES (more than 150 people!) in the past 20+ years have agreed that the outcomes of attending ACES have made it worth the effort. Talk to past ACES participants and mentors to hear their first-hand experience of attending the program.