Sherrie Cooper, Heather Houseman, Lauren Murphy, Dr. Paul Douglas, Georgina Breihof and Mason Hill

The team’s innovative idea, “Everyone is Talking, Encompassing All Methods,” involves the development of a specialized classroom incorporating Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) and a sensory education total communication approach to assist individuals that have delayed communication development. Teachers and students can use, accept and understand all forms of communication, spoken and non-spoken along with sensory input to enhance communication and learning. The AAC devices will not be limited to school use but could also be used in the home. Based on research, AAC devices have shown positive outcomes in expediting students’ communication and socialization skills.