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Background Information

• The Need
• People who use AAC
• Abuse Experiences of AAC Users
• Safeguarding Challenges for People who use AAC

The Need   

The need for this project emerged from The Speak Up Project: Safeguarding People who use Augmentative Communication from Sexual Abuse/Victimization. Speak Up participants told us that they wanted more information and resources on ways that they can protect themselves from abuse and crimes.

• For information on the Speak Up Project go to www.aacsafeguarding.ca
• For information on the abuse experiences of AAC users go to
www.aacsafeguarding.ca/resources-reducingtherisk.htm

People who use AAC   

People who are unable to speak because of severe physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury etc.) may use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to convey their messages. People who use AAC may understand and hear everything that is said. They cannot control the muscles to produce speech and rely on AAC methods to communicate.

AAC includes picture or letter boards, computers and voice output communication devices.

People use these systems by pointing to or typing the items they want to say, by using their eyes to look at their messages or by using switches to operate devices.

• People who use AAC (Coming Soon!)
• About AAC

Abuse Experiences of People who use AAC   

While not all AAC users experience abuse, some people who use AAC tell us that they may experience:

• Physical Abuse - i.e. rough handling during bathing/dressing, hitting, burning, being followed on the street, deprivation of essential services, neglect by service providers.


• Emotional Abuse – i.e. degrading comments, threats, humiliation, denial of privacy, lack power and control over decision-making.


• Sexual Abuse – i.e. unwanted touching, rape, denial of sexual identity and expression.


• Financial Abuse – i.e. stealing of personal belongings/money, muggings.

For more information see the Speak Up Project at www.aacsafeguarding.ca

Safeguarding Challenges for People with Restricted Mobility who use AAC   

People who use AAC may experience:

• Lack of Vocabulary:


• They may not have the pictures/words they need to communicate about their rights and to prevent or report abuse.


• Lack of Tools and Strategies:


• Conventional courses on safety for people with disabilities rely heavily on mobility and communication skills.


• Lack of Information:


• Some people who use AAC may not be well informed about their rights and may not be able to protect themselves in dangerous situations, to request assistance, communicate resistance or to report abuse.