UCF AAC Lab

06/05/2026

June is Dysphagia Awareness Month 🩵

Swallowing difficulties can impact safety, nutrition, hydration, and quality of life across the lifespan. Raising awareness helps support earlier recognition, intervention, and access to care.

Learn more:

http://www.swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/

06/03/2026

AAC supports communication in many different ways.

From low-tech tools like core boards and communication books to high-tech speech-generating devices, AAC is individualized and designed to meet each person’s unique needs and goals.

At the FAAST Center, we offer free demonstrations, trainings, and 30-day device loans to help individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals explore assistive technology options.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, email [email protected].

05/26/2026

Check out this SLP Nerdcast podcast episode 🎧

Featuring work from the UCF AAC Lab and our very own Nancy A. Harrington, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATP, alongside Cathy Binger, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, from the University of New Mexico.

✨ Why AAC should be considered early for children with Down syndrome
✨ What Generative Language Intervention (GLI) looks like in practice
✨ Evidence-based approaches to supporting language development from the start

This episode highlights a randomized controlled trial in AAC intervention research and its implications for clinical practice.

🎧 Listen for free on your favorite podcast platform

05/20/2026

The UCF AAC Lab is recruiting participants for a research study.

This study explores high-priority topics in AAC for adults with disabilities and includes a short online survey, with the option to participate in a follow-up focus group.

We’re looking for:
• Adults who use AAC
• Caregivers
• Healthcare professionals
• College healthcare educators

Scan the QR code or contact us for more information.

05/15/2026

We are currently recruiting for participation in our NIH funded AAC clinical research, with a focus upon measuring aided language of children with CP, Down syndrome or CAS who would benefit from AAC generative language intervention. Participants will receive free intervention twice weekly for a two year period. If they don’t yet have a device, we will assess for the most appropriate system. Sessions will take place at the University of Central Florida AAC Lab in Orlando. Please see link for further information.

A research study funded by the National Institutes of Health is currently being conducted at the AAC Lab at the University of Central Florida.

05/11/2026

We’re recruiting volunteers at the FAAST Atlantic Regional Demonstration Center.

Gain hands-on experience with assistive technology while supporting community outreach, device loans, and device demonstrations.

📩 [email protected]

05/08/2026

Built-in, free assistive technology on your iPhone and iPad.

Use the Accessibility Assistant in the Shortcuts app to find features based on your needs and create a personalized list of free resources in Notes.

05/05/2026

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 🤍

Let’s recognize the impact of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in supporting communication, hearing, and access across the lifespan.

Their work helps individuals connect, participate, and be heard.

Once again, May’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (NSLHM) will be an active time for raising awareness of communication and swallowing disorders—and the life-changing work of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. ASHA staff and member volunteers have organized several outreach ef...

04/30/2026

✨ Neurodiverse Support Apps ✨

A roundup of tools for focus, organization, routines, self-regulation, self-monitoring, and accessible reading.

From growing a virtual tree while you stay on task, to visual schedules, mood tracking without long writing, and text-to-speech for easier reading, these apps support different needs in everyday life.

Tools like these can help you build systems that work for you 💛

04/22/2026

National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day 💙

AT tools are essential for many individuals. They support learning, work, communication, independence, and participation in everyday life.

Today highlights the importance of ensuring access so everyone who needs them can use what works for them.

At FAAST, we support this through device demonstrations, trainings, our lending library, and community outreach!

Learn more: https://ataporg.org/policy-and-advocacy/national-at-awareness-day/

Explore our lending library: https://faast.org/library/