Temple University's main campus in Philadelphia will be home to Augmentative Communication Empowerment and Supports — ACES, for short — participants for a full week of classes and activities this July.
Intensive program for young adults who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
ACES participants are young adults who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for communication, and who may also have a focus on transitioning from one key life stage to another. The intensive program goals include improving communication, exploring adaptive recreation and leisure activities, experiencing life on a college campus, and building a network with other AAC users.
ACES has welcomed students from Pennsylvania and beyond since its founding in 1990 by Diane Nelson Bryen, Temple University professor emerita and past executive director of the Institute on Disabilities. Institute on Disabilities staff continually update and adapt the program's format and curricula as technology and communication access evolve.
A typical day at ACES
A typical day for a participant may include:
- Breakfast together in the dorm common space
- Communication class led by Speech-language pathologists and graduate students
- Group Adaptive leisure activities such as art or music therapy
- Individual time for AAC support and programming
- Evening leisure and down time
Parent and caregiver support sessions on a range of topics are offered while ACES participants attend communication classes led by speech-language pathologists.
How to apply
The ACES 2025 application period is now open. Interested applicants should be adults (18+) who use AAC and are able to participate in a full day of activities.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Participants and their caregivers or family members will reside on Temple's campus from July 20 to July 25, 2025.
Visit the Institute's TechOWL website to learn more and apply for ACES 2025.