Augmentative and Alternative Communication for special children

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication other than oral speech.

People with severe speech or language impairment rely on AAC to supplement or replace speech.

Project Leader of Bakti-Mind project, Dr Zaliha Omar speaking to members of Kiwanis Club of Muar that runs a Center for special children, emphasised on the need to understand the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685) to facilitate augmentative and alternative modes, means and format of communication.

The center has been conducting classes for special children including those with Down Syndrome.

Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal condition and is the most common chromosome abnormality in humans.

A large proportion of individuals with Down Syndrome have a severe degree of intellectual disability.

Lieutenant governor of Kiwanis Div 6 P.D Mary, said that Kiwanis Club of Muar is part of a global volunteer organisation whose members are dedicated to changing the world , one child and one community at a time.

Impressed by AAC products she expressed hope that the public will contribute towards the project which includes the software licence and training for the teachers which will eventually help the children at the center. The center will require RM50,000.00 to implement this project she added.