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- An AAC "Market"- ISAAC-ISRAEL
An AAC "Market"- ISAAC-ISRAEL
- By yonit hagoel karnieli
- Published 03/6/2007
- Other International Reports
ISAAC-ISRAEL has for many years held afternoon workshops throughout the year, to which both members and non-members are invited to attend. There is generally a small entrance fee, to cover the cost of refreshments. In December, 2006 an exciting innovative program was held within the framework of these workshops. We held what we called a "market" which was actually an exhibit of a large variety of AAC materials and products which have been developed by people working in the field in Israel. There was no charge for either exhibiting or attending the "market". All members were invited to exhibit AAC materials which they have developed to meet the needs of the clients with whom they work. A large room was provided by one of the schools in the central part of the country and close to 30 "exhibitors" spent the afternoon displaying and discussing the materials which they were exhibiting. At the outset of the afternoon each "exhibitor" was given 5 minutes to describe their materials and then the exhibit was opened. Over 100 members and nonmembers came to view the exhibit; they went from table to table viewing and discussing – one could sense the excitement in the room as people began to ask questions, get responses, and then even generate and discuss further ideas based on what they saw. A large range of materials were displayed – no tech, low tech and high tech were all visible; these included materials for beginning communication, toys to promote communication and interaction; books and related materials for promoting literacy, materials for working with specific populations, and computer applications for existing AAC software. In addition several importers and developers of AAC materials exhibited their wares. The materials displayed were of the highest professional and artistic level imaginable – it was truly a feast for the eyes as well as the brain! The willingness to share was remarkable; there was so much to learn and so much good will. Following the "market", most of the materials have been posted on the ISAAC-ISRAEL web site, accessible to members only. While we are willing to make these materials available to the international ISAAC membership, the severe limitation exists that the materials are all in the Hebrew language. As people were leaving at the end of the day, comments could be heard of "what I will bring to the market next year". It appears that we are well on our way to establishing an annual tradition
