ACES

• The cost for the AAC user participant and accompanying support person is $1500. This fee includes tuition, breakfast and dinner, room, and board.
• There is a variety of possible funding sources.
  • Public funding may be possible through the Extended School Year (ESY) program, OVR, and Waiver funding.  The ACES program must meet a participant’s school, work, or waiver service plan objectives.
  • We work with out-of-state participants to secure adequate funding.
  • Some participants pay tuition privately.
• TechOWL at the Institute on Disabilities may work to secure donations for limited scholarships. 

On the main campus of Temple University in Philadelphia. Participants (and a support person, if necessary) can stay in a dorm for the week-long program.

Classes and activities will occur in accessible classrooms as well as the TechOWL Community Space.

ACES is funded by tuition.

We work with participants, families, and teams to establish a funding source as part of the acceptance process.

Extended School Year and Waiver funding are sometimes used for tuition. Some participants pay privately.

TechOWL at the Institute on Disabilities will work with people to find funding.

Developed initially in 1990 by Diane N. Bryen, Ph.D., ACES has adapted over the past 30 years while staying true to the mission of improved communication and empowerment in an inclusive community.

Today, we acknowledge emerging technologies and other changes in communication access for all.

If you want to apply (even if your payment arrangement is uncertain), please complete the online application.

Our entrance interviews may be in-person or via video conference.

• If necessary for access and/or functional needs, each ACES participant brings an additional support person. One person per participant enjoys housing with the participant in accessible on-campus housing at Temple University.
• Other family members will need to secure a nearby room and board.
• ACES staff and volunteers maintain an adequate presence for the safety and security of everyone.
• ACES staff and volunteers are not responsible for medication management, administration, or personal care needs. Support staff and/or the ACES participant is responsible for managing their own hygiene and medical needs.

Staff

• Administrative Coordinator
• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologists
• Assistive Technology Specialists

Volunteers

• 18 years old+ with a high school diploma
• University students in undergraduate or graduate program
• Community members interested in supporting the program
• Volunteers complete an interview, training, and clearance process

Interns

• University students for credit, clinical, or work experience
• Graduate or undergraduate students studying completing clinical externships or clinical practicum

The ACES participants’ day begins at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast and ends at 5 p.m. with dinner. The schedule is structured each day and participants/families will move through classes and activities according to the schedule.

Typical Class Offerings Include

• Group communication class (led by speech-language pathologists)
• Individual device troubleshooting sessions with participants and family members
• Adaptive leisure activities – baking/cooking, yoga, art, music therapy etc.
• Parent/caregiver Support sessions
• Evening activities–movie nights, game nights, group dinners

Example of the Schedule

• Breakfast Together
  • Held in a common space
  • Dietary considerations honored
  • Packaged, prepared, and fresh foods
• Morning Sessions
  • Communication class with Speech language Pathologists
  • Parent/caregivers participate in separate lecture/workshop
• Lunch at a nearby restaurant or food truck
  • Bring your own lunch
• Afternoon Sessions
  • Group Recreation/Leisure activities
  • Additional support time for AAC device troubleshooting, programing, and training
• Dinner Together
  • Catered dinner together at the dorm in a common area
• Down Time and Fun
  • Variety of activities

Any parents, friends, and family members who are not actively supporting an ACES participant are encouraged to participate in separate and specially designed activities and presentations.

Communication class is led by PA licensed Speech Language pathologists and supported by graduate students in speech-language pathology.

While every ACES is different, potential communication targets include:

• Learning how to navigate your AAC device
• Building sentences and exploring vocabulary
• Using your AAC device to interact with new people
• Practicing using your AAC device to share information or answer questions
• Implementing AAC device in new settings and environments

ACES programming is focused on accessing and exploring adaptive leisure/recreation activities.

While every ACES is different, potential activities include:

• Video games/ Virtual Reality
• Adaptive Yoga
• Music Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Adaptive baking/Cooking
• Campus Tour

Parents and caregivers of ACES participants are encouraged to attend the Parent/Caregiver session while the ACES participant engages in Communication Class.

Previous topics of these sessions include:

• Supporting Letting Go (supporting the transition from childhood to adulthood)
• Estate and Trust Planning
• Parent Roundtable
• Making and Acquiring Assistive Technology
• Self-Care
• AAC Planning and Support