TECHNOLOGY

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

When does ACES begin?

Specific dates for 2010 have not yet been set. Historically, ACES has been scheduled for early July.

Who should attend?

Those who use an AAC device and are motivated to learn how to communicate more efficiently and effectively. You must be able to tolerate a full and intense schedule. Those who are "in transition" to adult life, or to a new phase of independence.

Who should not attend?

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

Who should I bring with me?

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 two-week 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. assistance with activities of daily living), you are expected to bring or arrange for your own personal assistant.

Where am I sleeping and what's to eat?

Participants live in Temple University's dormitories for the two-week session, and are provided with meals at the Temple University dining facilities.

What's the schedule like?

A large amount of material is covered during the two weeks of coursework. 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 approximately 9 AM and conclude at 4 PM (Monday-Friday); each class is approximately 1.5 hours long. You will be given a short homework assignment to complete each night. One instructor for every three participants.

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.

What am I going to learn?

All classes will provide you opportunities to use your communication device, to improve you communication skills and to practice those skills.

Operational Competence with your Communication Device. Classes include: Learn special features and customization of your device. Learn how to store new vocabulary, create page sets and how to use a variety of strategies to improve your communication rate and effectiveness with your device.

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

Empowerment for Your Transition. 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.

Computer Classes. Learn how to interface your device with a computer to transfer and back-up memory, use word processing, send emails, use the internet, and other common computer applications.

What about having fun and meeting people?

Outside of getting to know people in your classes, there will be 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 after classes or during the weekend independently. These activities also provide opportunities to practice your new communication skills!

What happens when the two weeks at Temple are over?

At the end of ACES you participate in a graduation ceremony at which you'll be expected to give a short speech. In the year following the ceremony, you can expect ACES staff to provide you with follow-along services for technical assistance and support.

What else do I need to know?

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 19 years have agreed that the outcomes of attending ACES have made it worth the effort!

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