TECHNOLOGY

SAVE THE DATE: ACES 2013 July 15 through July 26, 2013

What is "ACES"?

Augmentative Communication and Empowerment Supports, or "ACES," is a program for young adults who use communication technology (speech generating devices or "SGD") transitioning from school to work, to help develop and refine their communication, including computer access and use for daily living/job skills.

Developed in 1990 at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University by Diane N. Bryen, PhD, ACES is staffed by communication professionals and other qualified experienced personnel - including mentors who are SGD users themselves.

Participants attend a 10-day learning experience on the main campus of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, following up to one year of preparation and planning supports.

ACES 2011 Schedule

Download sample 2011 schedule

Those who participate in ACES as students should be...

• Young adults focusing on "transition"
  - School to work, home to community, other
• Current users of a speech-generating device
  - Able to use device for basic communication needs
  - Variety of devices: 2011 Participants' Systems included:
     Dynavox V & VMax; PRC Vantage Lite, Vanguard, and ECO; Tobii C12; iPads with TouchChat and Predictable apps)
  - For ideas of specific communication goals addressed during ACES, download and read the Sample Goals
• Able to maintain focus and energy for 10 full days of learning and work
  - Variety of educational or medical diagnoses
  - Stay in dorms on Temple main campus
• A "local" resident within a 3-hour drive of Philadelphia
• Capable of bringing a tutor to support learning and carryover
  - Family member, friend, attendant

If you are interested in being a participant at ACES 2013, please download and complete this form:
ACES 2013 Participant Application (Word document)

Those staffing ACES will be...

• Staff Speech-Language Pathologists
  -Preferred: M.S., CCC-SLP
• Computer Course Instructor
  - Preferred: RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
• Empowerment Course Facilitator/Instructor
• Residential Advisor
  - CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
• Volunteer Coordinator
  - CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
• ACES Mentor
  - Advanced SGD user as role model
  - Preferred: Personal perspective as former ACES graduate

There are currently 2 paid staff positions open for the ACES 2013 program.

To apply as a staff at ACES, please complete the Staff Application Form, and the job description for the specific position below.

ACES Staff Application Form - PDF | Staff Application Form - Word

ACES Residential Advisor Job Description (PDF)

ACES Volunteer Coordinator Job Description (PDF)

Those who volunteer to work at ACES...

ACES volunteer positions are designed with a focus on both learning and mentoring. The program aims to increase the AAC capacity of current or future professionals.

• Volunteers (Aides or Counselors)
  - Unique learning experience
  - Orientation and background information provided
  - Undergraduate and graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or related fields
• Interns / Enrolled Students
  - For credit, clinical, or work experience
  - Potential credit options through Temple's course (EDUC 5010, Summer Session II)
  _ Undergraduate
• Professionals
  - Continuing education, additional AAC experience
  - Potential ACT 48 credits or ASHA CEUs
  - Special education teachers, SLPs, ATPs, or related fields

For more information about ACES as a professional learning experience, review the information from the 2012 PSHA Convention session or download the handout (pdf).

If you are interested in being a volunteer at ACES, please complete the Volunteer Application, and the job description for the specific position:

ACES Volunteer Application - PDF | ACES Volunteer application - Word

ACES Volunteer Position description: AIDE (PDF)

ACES Volunteer Position description: COUNSELOR (PDF)

Funding

The ACES program does require a tuition payment for each participant. This covers Professional services (therapy and group classes) for 10 days of instruction, as well as room and board for the 12 days on campus. The tuition rate for 2013 is set at $2800 per participant.

Download and read about Participant Tuition. (PDF)

**Please note that tuition may be adjusted for changes in curriculum, number of participants, number of meals, or other conditions.**

Funding for the ACES program may be provided through a participant's educational or vocational services (e.g., ODP waiver, OVR), depending on the specific goals of attendance. Please contact ACES staff if you have questions about funding costs, including how ACES may meet a participants' school, work/VR, or waiver service goals/objectives. For additional ideas, please see: ACES 2013—Potential Funding Sources Worksheet (Word document). Participants must secure funding for ACES 2013 July 8, 2013.

For more information

Download ACES "Frequently Asked Questions"

Contact: Carrie Leonhart, leonhart@temple.edu, 215-204-3032, or TTY: 215-204-1805.

Technology Programs

All Programs

Home Page