AACCENT Act Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centers of Excellence and National Technical Assistance Act Nogales Wastewater Improvement Act of 2023
If enacted, HB 5705 would lead to the creation of at least three national resource centers dedicated to AAC, with the aim of providing training, resources, and support not only to users of AAC but also to families, educators, and professionals who assist them. This initiative is designed to promote equitable access to communication technologies and strategies, thereby enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for individuals with communication disabilities. The bill also includes provisions for prioritizing funding for organizations that demonstrate prior experience in providing AAC-related services, ensuring that effective and proven initiatives receive support.
House Bill 5705, known as the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centers of Excellence and National Technical Assistance Act, seeks to establish a network of national resource centers that focus on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with significant expressive communication disabilities. The primary purpose of this bill is to ensure access to necessary communication tools and resources that enable affected individuals to effectively engage in learning, work, and social inclusion. The bill emphasizes the significance of communication as a fundamental human right and strives to address the communication barriers faced by these individuals, many of whom have been marginalized in society.
While HB 5705 has garnered support for its focus on improving communication access, there are discussions regarding the adequacy of the funding proposed within the bill, which authorizes $9 million annually for five years. Critics emphasize that this amount may not be sufficient to create an effective and widespread impact across diverse communities. Additionally, there may be concerns about the equitable distribution of resources and whether the program can truly address the unique needs of individuals from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ensuring that the advisory councils overseeing these resource centers are truly representative of those they aim to serve will be crucial for the success of the bill.