AAC Book Recommendations
"Eddie the Elephant Has Something to Say" is a wonderful children's book that not only tells a heartwarming story about communication and self-expression but also educates readers about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Written and illustrated by Speech-Language Pathologists Alison Johns and Tara Put, the book follows the story of Eddie, a young elephant who struggles to communicate with his herd due to his small trunk.
The book's emphasis on different ways of communicating and the importance of being understood is a valuable lesson for children and adults alike. The story helps children understand that there are many ways to communicate, and that everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves in a way that is comfortable and effective for them. It also emphasizes the importance of being inclusive and accepting of different forms of communication.
The book's message is delivered in a way that is both entertaining and educational, making it a great resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers to teach children about AAC.
The inclusion of a foreword by AAC communicator Chelsea Hagen adds an important perspective to the book, further emphasizing the importance of AAC and the need for inclusivity and acceptance in communication.
Overall, "Eddie the Elephant Has Something to Say" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to teach children about communication, self-expression, and AAC. It is a beautifully illustrated book that delivers an important message in an engaging and accessible way.
“I Talk in Different Ways”, written by Kimiko Tobimatsu, is an incredible story that offers a unique perspective on identity for AAC users and nonverbal individuals. Tobimatsu shares her journey of self-discovery as a mixed-race person and the challenges she faced in reconciling her Japanese and Canadian identities.
One of the strengths of this book for AAC users is Tobimatsu's honesty and vulnerability in describing the struggles she faced in communicating her identity to others. She talks about the challenges of expressing herself in a world that often categorizes people based on their appearance or cultural background. For AAC users, this struggle to be heard and understood may be particularly resonant.
The author's experiences of feeling like an outsider in both cultures are relatable to many individuals with disabilities who often feel marginalized in society. Tobimatsu's journey to embrace her unique identity and find a sense of community and belonging will resonate with AAC users who may face similar challenges in finding their voice and place in the world.
Overall, I Talk in Different Ways is a beautifully written memoir that offers a powerful message of self-love and acceptance for AAC users and nonverbal individuals. It is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of identity and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals. Highly recommended.
