You are viewing the website for the aac-rerc, which was funded by NIDRR from 2008-2013.
For information on the new RERC on AAC, funded by NIDILRR from 2014-2019, please visit rerc-aac.psu.edu.
AAC-RERC Writers Brigade
Pamela KennedyAAC-RERC Writers Brigade |
|
Writing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), assistive technology (AT) and research are my passions! In 2007, my research led me to the Writers Brigade and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement (AAC-RERC). As someone who relies on AT, I see a need to design technology in ways that address each individual's unique social, psychological, physical and communication needs.
As a sophomore in high school, I took the advice of a teacher and enrolled in a journalism class. Suddenly, research and writing became a map to worlds I never knew existed. I excelled academically; as a member of the school newspaper and yearbook staff, I gained recognition in my community. At state competitions, some of my articles won awards. During my senior year, I was the editor of the yearbook.
After graduation, the school administration hired me to co-edit the district's disability newsletter, Family and Educator Enhancement Team. Later, after I was using an assistance dog from Great Plains Assistance Dogs Foundation, Inc., I periodically wrote articles for their newsletter, Foundation Chronicles. After completing disability-related advocacy courses with Partners in Policymaking, I functioned as an advocate, serving as a speaker, editor and writer for various projects.
I define my life by pursuing my passions, learning new skills and making a difference in others' lives by becoming a journalist and advocate. I may have cerebral palsy and dysarthria. However, I am multi-modal communicator, utilizing: sign language, communication boards, written messages, Co:Writer, Companion, Talk:About, Co:Writer, Speaking Dynamically Pro, TextAloud, Nextup Talker computer software and the Vmax with Series 5--a dedicated speech-generating device. As a result, I serve as the Writers Brigade Program Manager and Editor for AAC-RERC III and Co-Vice President of People Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication for the United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC). These allow me to give presentations regarding my experience as an alternative communicator, have a social life and participate in small talk.
In doing so, I have discovered invaluable treasures: friendship, love, happiness, laughter, increased self-esteem, confidence, adventure and (of course), writing, augmentative and alternative communication, assistive technology and research. As a result, my life is filled with passion!
Publications
Kennedy, P. (2008). Next time, I’ll be ready. Augmentative Communication News, 19(4), 4-5. ( pdf)
Kennedy, P. (2008). AAC and All That Jazz: A conference and a continuing effort. The ConnSENSE Bulletin. (full text)
Kennedy, P. (2008). AAC-Search Engine: Research without the lab. ADVANCE for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 18, 14. (full text)
Kennedy, P. (2009). Revising the Writers Brigade: Part 2. SpeakUp: The Journal of USSAAC, (full text)
McNaughton, D. & Kennedy, P. (2010). Introduction: Key components of successful transitions. In D. McNaughton & D. Beukelman (Eds.). Transition Strategies for Adolescents and Young Adults Who Use AAC. Brookes Publishing.
Kennedy, P., Larned, D., & McNaughton, D. (2010). Posting guidelines for the RESNA Student Design Competition site. (website).
Kennedy, P. (2010). Navigating through transition with individuals with speech disabilities. Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 19, 44-50. (abstract).
Kennedy, P. & McNaughton, D. (July, 2010). The Writers Brigade. ConnSENSE Bulletin. (full text).
McNaughton, D., Balandin, S., Kennedy, P., & Sandmel, T. (submitted for publication). Health transitions for youth with complex communication needs: The importance of health literacy and communication strategies.
Presentations
Kennedy, P. (2008). AAC preparedness, rescues and relief efforts: Ensuring the safety and rights of people with complex communication needs. 13th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Presentation, pdf)
Kennedy, P. (2009). Disaster preparedness for people with complex communication needs. Webcast for the AAC-RERC.(Webcast).