How many of us use emojis to communicate? Language comes in many forms and one of the most ancient types of language is visual symbols. Emojis are visual symbols that help enhance our written language. They can replace words or whole phrases and still be understood by many. Emojis were originally created
Did you know that two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia? There are 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. One of the signs is: New problems with words in speaking or writing This may include challenges with following or
Did you know that 60% of caregivers of individuals with communication difficulties say that communication breakdowns make their role more challenging? May 1, 2025, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) published its 2025 ASHA National Survey of Caregivers: Insights and Experience conducted by YouGov. Here are some of the findings: 40% of those
Helen Keller National Center partners with Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs to bring specialized DeafBlind support directly to local communities. This innovative five-day immersion program empowers support teams with personalized strategies, ensuring DeafBlind individuals with intellectual disabilities can achieve greater independence in their home environments. Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) announced a
Parkinson’s Disease is a type of movement disorder that is chronic and progressive. It may affect the nerves and muscles that are used to develop speech. Here are some easy strategies to support communication: Be patient. Give them plenty of time to process Avoid speaking above other noises; try to eliminate distractions
Did you know that 4.2 million Americans, ages 40 and older, are visually impaired? Of these, 3 million have “low vision”. By 2030 this number is estimated to reach 7.2 million, with 5 million having low vision. (Source: National Eye Health Education Partnership) What is low vision? Low vision is when even
CommunicationFIRST* recently published a resource on communicating in times of stress. “In moments of intense stress—when speaking up and being heard may be more important than ever—some people may lose the ability to communicate in the ways they usually do.” Check out this resource at https://communicationfirst.org/communicating-in-times-of-stress/ *CommunicationFIRST is an organization dedicated to
Spend time with others who speak another language. Take a class. Download a free foreign language application. Pick up a book from the library about the language you are interested in. Happy Holidays! Felices Fiestas! Jiérì kuàilè! 节日快乐！ Buone Vacanze! uṭalun saʿīdah! عطل سعيدة! Happy Holidays in American Sign Langauge video link
Diabetes is a complex disease that is challenging to manage on a daily basis. Did you know that persons with an intellectual or developmental disability are estimated to be 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetes compared to the general population? Some tools for communicating about diabetes management may include: “Easy read”
Do you know what AAC is? AAC is any form of communication other than spoken language. It is so many things, but most people use the term to mean a Speech Generating Device or an AAC device. That is okay because AAC is that too! Take a moment this month to learn
