Message from the Director of the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

The Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication is committed to excellence in research and teaching specifically in the fields of disability, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and its intersectionality. Since these fields are multi-professional in nature and our team comprises diverse professionals, the Centre for AAC is uniquely positioned for transdisciplinary research and teaching focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities broadly and specifically those with complex communication needs. A systemic perspective and contextually grounded approach undergirds the Centre’s work in recognition of the need to broaden perspectives and intervention approaches beyond those from developed contexts.

In (2020), the Centre’s celebrates its 30th year since its inception. It has grown significantly over the years with innovative, blended learning, transdisciplinary, postgraduate degree programs and transdisciplinary research. The Centre is grateful for  the support of individual staff members in the core team, our Advisory Board, the management of the University of Pretoria, our alumni and current students, local and international partners, colleagues and peers and the many individuals who use AAC and their families. We are looking forward to exploring new partnerships and collaborations to contribute to cutting edge research and teaching in the fields of AAC and Early Childhood Intervention.