By Will Bower 

A group of speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate students delivered a presentation on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to the drivers of SEATS, Iowa City’s paratransit service, on Feb. 20. The students— Morgan Linneweh, Rae Benzing, Anna Mae Williams, and Julia DiGiacomo— are members of clinical professor Krista Davidson’s AAC community outreach group. 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines AAC as “all of the ways that someone communicates without talking.” Julia DiGiacomo, a student presenter, said the group introduced the basics of AAC and provided examples and strategies for effective communication with individuals who use AAC. 

“Several of the drivers indicated that they regularly drive passengers who use AAC to communicate,” DiGiacomo said. “My hope is that after the presentation, they feel more prepared to communicate effectively and meet the needs of these passengers.” 

Morgan Linneweh, another student presenter, said she hopes the presentation helped drivers recognize that AAC is a widely used practice. 

“Any time they use gestures, facial expressions, or any other means of communicating that isn't verbal, that's a form of AAC,” Linneweh said. 

Krista Davidson, who oversees the AAC community outreach group, said the group was formed to increase awareness of AAC amongst first responders.  

“Our presentation to SEATS was our first talk to community members outside of firefighters and paramedics,” Davidson said. “We are excited to expand our reach to other organizations and businesses.” 

Linneweh said being part of the outreach group has been a rewarding way to apply her coursework. 

“Each time I've helped give a presentation, all of the listeners are very engaged and ask so many questions,” Linneweh said. “It's such a great feeling when you can tell they want to learn more and be a good communication partner with nonspeaking and limited speaking individuals.”