AACCENT Act

The AACCENT Act establishes a national network of resource centers to improve access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for the estimated 4 million Americans with significant expressive communication disabilities. It awards grants to nonprofit partnerships that must include people with communication disabilities in leadership roles, requiring centers to provide evidence-based training, technical assistance, and resources to schools, healthcare providers, employers, and communities. These centers will collect demographic data, address barriers faced by racial and ethnic minority communities, and promote awareness about the rights of people who rely on AAC. The legislation aims to eliminate communication barriers and improve equal opportunity across education, employment, healthcare, and community participation for this population.