Awards

For all award / scholarship information or application forms (with the exception of the Shirley McNaughton award), please contact ISAAC:

Email: mona.zaccak@isaac-online.org
Phone: +1 (416) 385-0351      
Fax: +1 (416) 385-0352

Mail: 49 The Donway West, Suite 308
Toronto, Ontario M3C 3M9
Canada

The WORDS+/ISAAC Outstanding Consumer Lecture Award

PURPOSE:

To provide a platform for an outstanding person who uses Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) to present a topic in which s/he has special expertise using any voice output communication system. WORDS+ and ISAAC wish to highlight the talents (such as story telling, creative writing, humour), perspectives (on current events, relationships, etc.) or individual endeavours (scholarly, entrepreneurial, recreational, etc.) of an individual beyond AAC, reinforcing the point that a person who uses AAC is not defined by AAC!

INCREASED AWARD:

Featured presentation speaker at the ISAAC 2008 Biennial Conference in Montreal, Canada and a cash award of $5,000 USD.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

• Candidate must be an ISAAC member or applying for membership,
  
  
• Candidate must be a person who communicates primarily through a voice output augmentative communication system,
  
  
• Candidate must deliver the lecture at the ISAAC 2008 Biennial Conference in person through his/her voice output augmentative communication system (no proxy presenter).  Lecture must be presented in English. (Translations into English from other languages are accepted).
  
  

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Submit a 500-1,000 word essay addressing the proposed topic of presentation, presentation style, and method of delivery, including a detailed outline of the specific content of the lecture.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION:

• Lecture is a topic of general interest to a broad international audience.
  
  
• Lecture highlights the unique talents, perspectives, skills, accomplishments or endeavors of the individual BEYOND AAC,
  
  
• Lecture is not focused on AAC, how a person got their AAC system, “How AAC changed my life,” etc. Proposals that focus primarily on AAC issues WILL NOT be accepted.
  
  
• Previous lecture topics have included: The use of humor in social connectedness; feminism; writing and starring in a film; personal experience and perspective on living in different political environments; and family, love and motherhood.
  
  
• The winning lecture will be videotaped and will become the property of WORDS+.
  
  

PLEASE INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Pertinent personal background information (short curriculum vitae),
  
  
• Two references supporting candidate’s application,
  
  
• A statement of intent to attend the biennial ISAAC conference and to present the lecture using your AAC device, if selected to receive the award,
  
  
• A description of audio-visual and other technical support needed.

APLLICATION DEADLINE5:

October 31, 2007

The EchoVoice / ISAAC Award 

PURPOSE:

This award will recognize the contribution of front line workers* in the field of augmentative communication and encourage one or more front line workers to learn more about augmentative communication and attend the ISAAC Biennial Conference.

* Front line workers are described as attendant/support workers, therapists, teachers and social workers - people who interact first hand with those who use augmentative communication. The award is not being offered to administrators, students or medical doctors. Preference will be given to applicants who have never had the opportunity to attend an ISAAC conference before.

AWARD:

This award will provide cash, and be given for the first time, to assist with the expenses that front line workers will incur while attending the ISAAC biennial conference in Montréal, Canada, August 2008.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

• The applicant must support an adult (18 years +) who presently uses voice amplification and who may in the future become a user of AAC.
  
  
• The applicant may provide paid or voluntary support of someone who uses AAC.
  
  
• The applicant must be a member of ISAAC or in the process of becoming a member.
  
  
• The applicant must not be resident in the country holding the conference.
  
  
• Applicants must state the amount they can contribute toward their travel costs and additional conference expenses.
  
  
• Each applicant must submit a paper of 1000 words to the conference committee for independent review within the conference 'Call for Papers' schedule. The topics discussed in the paper:
  
  
• will further knowledge in the transfer and implementation of augmentative communication for clients whose amplified speech is no longer effective in daily conversations.
  
  
• demonstrate how the use of voice amplification and AAC via multi-modal communication can assist a person to communicate in more than one situation and with more than one person at a time.
  
  

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Each applicant must submit a paper of 1000 words to the conference committee for independent review within the conference 'Call for Papers' schedule. The topics discussed in the paper:

• will further knowledge in the transfer and implementation of augmentative communication for clients whose amplified speech is no longer effective in daily conversations.
  
  
• demonstrate how the use of voice amplification and AAC via multi-modal communication can assist a person to communicate in more than one situation and with more than one person at a time.
  

Note: The application should include a short work history with previous conference presentations listed.

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

April 15, 2008

The AbleNet Literacy / ISAAC Award

PURPOSE:

This award is open to a professional ISAAC member who is furthering the field of AAC and literacy by:

Helping people develop the ability to read and write as well as use AAC systems.

Actively advocating literacy for people with disabilities via workshops, presentations, professional training, consultations, authoring papers, etc.

Fostering literacy experiences in persons with severe/profound to moderate disabilities.

Raising the expectations of professionals, educators, parents and caregivers that persons with significant disabilities can have meaningful literacy experiences.

AWARD:

The recipient of this award receives $2000 USD and is a key speaker at the ISAAC Biennial Conference on the topic of AAC and literacy. $500 USD is given towards travel to the conference.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

Professional ISAAC members

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Nominations are made by application to the ISAAC Secretariat.

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

January 15 , 2008

The ISAAC President's Award

PURPOSE:

This award acknowledges extraordinary support of ISAAC by an individual.

AWARD:

A plaque or gift presented at the ISAAC Biennial Conference by the ISAAC President.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

Professional ISAAC members

Given at the discretion of the ISAAC President with advice and input form the Executive Committee in acknowledgement of support of ISAAC

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Nominations can be made in writing and sent to the ISAAC Secretariat.

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

January 31, 2008

The ISAAC Distinguished Service Award

PURPOSE:

To recognize outstanding contribution to the field of AAC by a group or individual through clinical work, information /knowledge, distribution and research.

AWARD:

A plaque presented to the recipient at the ISAAC Biennial Conference.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

Professional ISAAC members

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Nominations should be made in writing to the ISAAC Secretariat.

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

January 31, 2008

The ISAAC Fellowship Award

PURPOSE:

Honours publicly an ISAAC member who has earned distinction within the ISAAC community.

AWARD:

The title Fellow of the International Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) shall be given for the life of the recipient and may be indicated and abbreviated as F.ISAAC.

Presented to recipients at the Membership meeting at the ISAAC Biennial Conference by the President.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

Members who have made outstanding contributions to ISAAC through (a) scientific and/or practical contributions, (b) leadership within the field of augmentative and alternative communication, and (c) their dedication to the affairs of ISAAC.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Admission to Fellowship is based on information provided in an application by two nominees. However, the ISAAC Fellowship Committee may invite ISAAC members of special distinction to become Fellows of ISAAC.

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

April 30, 2008

The Shirley McNaughton Exemplary Communication /
ISAAC Award

PURPOSE:

To provide an internship opportunity for training in Blissymbolics.

AWARD:

The successful applicant will receive travel assistance of $500 Canadian, accommodation, and a two-week internship program relating to the language of Blissymbolics and its usage in Ontario, Canada. The internship will consist of opportunities to interact with Bliss users, Bliss alumni and their supporters and to discuss with AAC specialists issues related to the application and development of the language of Blissymbolics.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

ISAAC members who provide instruction to people who use AAC. The successful applicant will be chosen for exemplary communication as an instructor.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants should include in their application:

• A description of their experience in the field of AAC.
• Their reason for wishing to learn more about Blissymbolics.
• Two references describing why their communication as an instructor should be recognized as exemplary - one from a colleague and one from an AAC student or parent of a person using AAC.

Applications may be sent by email to: shirley@blissymbolics.org
Or mailed to
Shirley McNaughton C.M., Ph.D.
26 Honeysuckle Dr., Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 4X7

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

April 1, 2008

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Bridge School International / ISAAC Scholarship

PURPOSE:

The Bridge School Scholarship (California, USA.) and ISAAC offer an opportunity to learn and teach AAC methods in an educational centre of excellence in the United States. The Bridge School is an internationally recognized leader in the education of children who use augmentative communication. It has developed unique programs and trained skilled professionals in the application of AAC service delivery.

www.bridgeschool.org

AWARD:

Throughout this one-year 'Teacher in Residence' scholarship the successful applicant will receive exposure to strategies that will ensure that children with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of augmentative and alternative means of communication.

The successful candidate also receives travel and accommodation expenses as well as a salary. She or he will receive mentor support after returning home. At that time the Bridge School and ISAAC will support ongoing implementation of AAC services. This can include on-site visits from professionals, provision of materials and building relationships with the international AAC network.

By offering this great opportunity the Bridge School has already enhanced AAC knowledge and service delivery in four emerging AAC nations by the award of scholarships to Gabriela Berlanga (Mexico), Usha Dalvi (India), Alina Smyczek (Poland), Sarah Yong (Singapore), Veronica Gavu, South Africa. Among the results achieved so far are the establishment of an NGO devoted to AAC, a conference on AAC and support of new AAC programs in neighboring countries.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

The applicant must be a member of ISAAC or in the process of becoming a member and live in a country where AAC is emerging.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications can be obtained through the ISAAC Secretariat.

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

January 15, 2008

Read article by Sarah Yong, a past Teacher In Training (PDF)

The Sherri Johnson / ISAAC Conference Consumer
Travel Scholarship

PURPOSE:

Sherri Johnson, a long time member of ISAAC, dedicated many years of her life to advancing the communication and quality of life of people who rely on AAC. This travel scholarship celebrates her life and dedication to AAC. Contributions can be made and are greatly appreciated.

AWARD:

To assist people who use AAC with expenses incurred while attending the ISAAC Biennial Conference. A minimum of four scholarships of $500 USD each will be awarded.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

Applicants must be ISAAC members who reside in the United States, with preference given to residents of Sherri's home state of Minnesota.

Applicants also must be scheduled presenters at the conference.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications should outline expected expenses to attend the conference and any potential financial assistance from other sources.

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

April 15, 2008

Possum – ISAAC Opportunity Award

PURPOSE:

To provide financial assistance in order to enable a person who uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to expand their future opportunities. The award will provide funding to allow the recipient to achieve a desired goal whether in education, work or life.

Possum and ISAAC aim to enhance chances in life through provision of opportunity, so this award can be used to help with further education, training for employment, career progression or independent living.

AWARD:

US $7,500 plus ISAAC delegate status for award winner.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

• ISAAC member (or applying for membership)
• Person who uses AAC as their primary or sole method of communication, and
• Someone currently working toward or planning to achieve a desired goal in education, work or life

1. A short essay or video in English from the applicant focusing on:
   • Desired goal and a concrete plan for achieving this goal.
   • How the award will improve the applicant’s opportunities in life.
2. Two letters of support explaining why the applicant should receive the award, a financial plan and details of any necessary support or management schemes which will support the applicant’s potential to achieve the goals outlined in the essay or video.
3. Personal background information (short curriculum vitae) should accompany the essay or video.
4. A statement of intent to attend the biennial ISAAC conference and for the applicant, or a nominee, to present their planned goal to the conference attendees - requests for reasonable costs to help with travel, accommodation and subsistence will be entertained by Possum
5. A description of audio-visual and other support needed to present your plan.

IF SELECTED:

The recipient will be required to provide a quarterly report of progress towards their objectives along with, if possible, photographs and video for as long as the award funds are utilized and for a period thereafter. (Contact Possum for more specific information.)

DATE FOR SUBMISSION:

March 31, 2008