ACES 2016
Information and Expectations
When does ACES begin?
The Augmentative Communication Empowerment Supports (ACES)
program begins with at least TWO planning meetings with your team and
ACES staff to discuss your communication, your transition, and your goals
for ACES. We will help you research funding, add needed vocabulary to
your device, and review computer access equipment and settings.
The on-campus portion begins when you arrive at Temple University for 10
days of intensive instruction. Check-in dates and time will be confirmed at a
later date, but is tentatively scheduled for be on Friday, July 15 from 3:00
PM — 5:00 PM.
Who should attend?
If you use a speech-generating device and are motivated to learn how to
communicate more efficiently and effectively; if you can tolerate a full and
intense schedule; if you are “in transition” to a new phase of independence
in life, work, or community living; you should attend!
Who should not attend?
Due to the rigorous schedule of ACES, those who have difficulty tolerating a
full day of activity would not be a good match for the program.
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Who should I bring with me?
A unique feature of ACES is that, along with providing training to each
participant, ACES provides an opportunity for a member of each
participant’s team to receive training. Participants are required to bring at
least one member of their team to the 10-day program; this person is
considered a tutor and will attend classes with you and help prepare
assignments. Also, if you require personal assistance services (e.g. for selfcare and activities of daily living), you are expected to bring or arrange for
your own personal assistant. Sometimes the same person acts as the tutor
and the personal assistant.
Where am I sleeping and what am I eating?
Participants live in Temple University’s dormitories at Temple Towers during
the program. All meals are provided by the ACES program through catering
and stipends.
What’s the schedule like?
A large amount of material is covered during the 10 days of coursework,
which makes ACES go quickly! However, all classes will move at the pace
that benefits individual program participants.
The schedule at ACES will require attentive participation throughout the
day. You are expected to attend and participate in all classes during the
day, which will begin at 8:30 AM and conclude at 4 PM; each class is
approximately 1.5 hours long. You will be given a short homework
assignment to complete each night. There are multiple instructors,
counselors, and volunteers to help you learn.
Are there any breaks?
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Ample time has been worked into the schedule for meals, breaks, and
moving from one class to another. If you need additional breaks, you are
encouraged to ask for them as needed.
What am I going to learn?
All classes will provide you opportunities to use your communication device
and practice the skills you are learning at ACES.
Operational Competence with your Communication Device.
In these classes, you will learn to operate and customize your device,
including special advanced features. You will learn how to store new
vocabulary, create page sets, use integrated computer skills (e.g., MP3
music player, text messaging) and apply a variety of strategies to improve
your communication rate and effectiveness with your device.
Effective and Strategic Communication Classes.
You will learn public speaking skills, interviewing skills, and how to prevent
and repair communication breakdowns.
Empowerment for Your Transition
You will increase your knowledge of your rights and responsibilities as a
person with disabilities. You will learn about the ADA, self-advocacy, future
planning and goal-setting (including higher education and/or employment).
You will also learn about key topics such as independent living and how to
find and access resources and supports to facilitate your transition.
Computer Classes
You will learn how to interface your device with your computer and/or use
adapted computer equipment, if needed. Topics may include using a
computer to transfer and back-up device memory, using word processing,
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sending emails, searching the internet, and other common computer
applications.
What about having fun and meeting people?
You will get to know other participants during your classes. There will be
additional social activities planned in the evening and on the weekend.
Participation in these activities is not mandatory (but is encouraged!). You
are welcome to explore Philadelphia independently during your free time.
These social times provide opportunities to practice your new
communication skills and make new friendships!
What happens when the on-campus time at Temple is over?
After 10 days of hard work, lots of learning, and loads of fun you are going
to participate in a graduation ceremony, at which you’ll be expected to give
a short speech. In the weeks following the ceremony, you can expect ACES
staff to provide you with follow-along services for technical assistance and
support via telephone, email and when possible, in person.
What else do I need to know?
Most importantly, ACES is not a summer camp! It is an intensive program
that requires a great deal of motivation and hard work from each participant.
Those who have attended ACES (more than 150 people!) in the past 20+
years have agreed that the outcomes of attending ACES have made it
worth the effort. Talk to past ACES participants and mentors to hear their
first-hand experience of attending the program.
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