IALP provides the opportunity to connect with colleagues who are passionate about advancing knowledge and practice in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The fact that IALP is an international organisation means that there are diverse perspectives represented which can be both challenging and affirming. It pushes me to think more deeply and globally about key issues in AAC.

My work addresses the way emerging digital technologies impact people with disability. Like most disciplines, the landscape of AAC is rapidly changing. I joined IALP to support AAC professionals – new and established – in preparing for the challenges and opportunities on our horizon. As an international and interdisciplinary organisation, IALP offers a critical forum for debate and innovation around these emerging issues.

I became an IALP member to collaborate with researchers and clinicians in order to collectively mobilise support for persons who require AAC and their families.

As a member of IALP, my main focus is to collaborate with professionals who share my passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Being part of this organization has broadened my research and practical knowledge. By sharing insights and collaborating across borders, we can make a significant impact on a national level.

Nika Jelenc, SLT, AAC Committee member, Slovenia

As a member of IALP, my aim is to advance research, knowledge and clinical practices for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and their communication partners. Collaborating with professionals nationally and internationally provides a possibility to broaden knowledge and develop new perspectives into the continuously developing field of AAC.

Kirsi Neuvonen, PhD, SLP, AAC committee member, Finland

As a speech-language pathologist, I joined IALP because I value international collaboration. Most importantly, I joined to assist in highlighting the importance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to the broader IALP membership.

MaryAnn Romski, PhD, CCC-SLP, Committee member, USA

I chose to join IALP’s AAC committee because it enables me to continue growing in the field of AAC. Being a part of this committee allows me to contribute to advancements in AAC research, advocacy, and support on an international level. Membership within IALP has allowed me to build networks with like-minded therapists which in turn has supported me to improve my therapeutic practice.

Having worked with children and adults with communication support needs for over 15 years, my professional interests are focussed on exploring lived experiences and perspectives of speech pathology services and barriers to communication rights. My most recent research has focussed on exploring how collaborative and participatory approaches can contribute to improvement in speech pathology practices and service outcomes, with a focus on equity and social justice. I joined IALP to connect with other AAC researchers and professionals from around the world, to improve my understanding of global concerns that affect people who communicate in non-standard ways, and contribute to global efforts to address them.

Martine Smith, PhD, SLT, became an IALP member as she was interested in joining a network of colleagues focused on enhancing and sharing both our knowledge and understanding of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as well as ensuring that as a community of practitioners, we collaborate across jurisdictions to ensure that services for people who need to use AAC are supported everywhere.

The IALP – AAC committee is a global network of professionals dedicated to advancing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I am motivated to work with passionate and knowledgeable colleagues to promote AAC, research, and knowledge exchange particularly in low- and middle-income countries.