AAC Friends and Leaders

The Bridge School is invested in supporting teens and adults who use AAC/AT tools and strategies in pursuit of meaningful participation in educational programs, communities and their lives. The AAC Friends and Leaders (AAC F&L) project provides opportunities for the members to participate in group decision-making, engage in community-based activities, develop self-determination and advocacy skills, forge relationships with others in their community and create a support network that addresses their needs and concerns.

Membership in the AAC F&L group is for those 15 years and over who communicate using AAC. The group meets several times during the academic year. The meetings include opportunities for the participants to plan and navigate the logistics of a group activity. Additionally, time for sharing information about movies, music, hobbies and other interests is a priority.

During the summer the AAC F&L group enjoys an annual retreat typically held at University of California, Berkeley. The four-day retreat or mini-conference involves invited speakers addressing topics of interest to the group, a community experience (ball game, farmer's market, bay cruise, etc.), good food and opportunities for relaxing with friends.

Photos from past AAC Friends and Leaders meetings and retreats can be found in our galleries.

Check out photos when the AAC Friends and Leaders experience A.R.T. in October 2006.

If you would like to be added to the AAC Friends and Leaders mailing list and receive notification of upcoming events, email