New lending library for augmentative and alternative communication opens at Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University’s Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex has established a new lending library that is available to the community. The library is full of resources for augmentative and alternative communication, which is used by individuals who have difficulty with speech or language. The AAC Lending Library was made possible via a grant from the WHAS Crusade of Children, an organization that provides funding for the betterment of the lives of children with disabilities.

According to an article on Western Kentucky University's website, Leisa Hutchison, whose child is a user of AAC, was quoted as saying of the new AAC Lending Library, “The WHAS Crusade for Children AAC Lending Library is a fantastic resource for the Bowling Green community. It provides parents, caregivers, students, and clients with valuable experiences and knowledge about the possibilities of using assistive technology. This library is an essential and a much-needed asset for our community and this region of Kentucky.”

There are two types of AAC: unaided communication and aided communication. Unaided communication includes sign language and gesturing. Aided communication includes the use of tools, whether high- or low-tech, to communicate. Some individuals may use AAC for their entire lives, and some may use them temporarily, such as when recovering from an illness or a surgery.

The AAC Lending Library offers aided communication tools for the community. The Lending Library’s collection includes more than 100 resources, like tablets that are preloaded with AAC communication apps, vocabulary boards, books, adaptive toys, and speech generation devices, among others. Families can check out any of the items available for up to two weeks at a time. Additionally, students and faculty are welcome to use the Lending Library as well, as anyone in the fields of nursing, social work, or education may find the equipment useful.

The AAC Lending Library was made possible via a grant from the WHAS Crusade of Children. According to its website, the organization “makes life better for children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs by inspiring generosity with our community partners.” Since the organization was founded in 1954, it has raised more than $217 million.

For more information about Western Kentucky University, visit the school's website.