Because Only Together We Can
The society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication-Kenya
Who We Are
The society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication-Kenya (SAAC-Kenya) was registered on 4 th July 2019 by the registrar of societies under the Societies Act (CAP. 108) with the overall goal of raising the social economic standards of persons living with complex communication difficulties through sustainable communication inclusion. Pursuant to this goal our mission is to do everything possible towards ensuring that everyone in Kenya who could communicate more easily by using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), will be able to do so. The membership of this society includes SNE teachers, other professional service providers, parents of Persons with disability, and Persons with communication disability.
What We Do
01.
— Communicate on emerging issues and innovations
To maintain ongoing communication with members on emerging issues and
innovations in using Augmentative and Alternative communication systems.
In this respect we shall seek to build a strong network across our
membership and further build relationships with local and international
establishments that share in our vision.
02.
— Pursue empowerment and capacity building
To Pursue empowerment and capacity building for families, caregivers and
service providers for persons living with complex communication difficulties
for engagement in inclusive communication systems with emphasis on
Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
03.
— Maintain good and required ideological stance
To maintain a non-political, nonpartisan and nonprofit ideological stance in
pursuance of our objectives.
04.
— Education and training
To educate and provide training to persons living with complex
communication difficulties on concepts and skills in using Augmentative and Alternative communication systems. Thus we shall grab every available
opportunity to impart knowledge and skills to persons who live with communication challenges to help them attain capacity to use most
appropriate forms of AAC.
05.
— Provision of information
To provide information and education to communities on issues related to
individuals who have little or no functional speech and/or writing. Thus our
society will make efforts at creating awareness about the challenges posed
by lack of a functional language in the life of an individual
06.
— Gathering& Generation of materials
To gather and generate materials, knowledge and skills for use in
Augmentative and Alternative communication systems.
Impact Stories
This is Paul. He suffers from cerebral palsy.
He is confined to a wheel chair and he cannot speak. But Paul is bright. With the AAC method he can express needs, wishes and dreams. Or he can just give you a piece of his mind. And he can be quite specific about it. Just by pointing out symbols on a board.
This boy can neither walk nor speak.
Around his neck there is a small card. It says: My name is Collins Maina.I have no speech. There is a book about me in my bag. Because of Maina’slack of speech he cannot tell you his name, who his parents are, the name of his school. He cannot tell you how he feels, what he wants or if he has a problem of some kind or how you can assist him.