AACCENT Act

The Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centers of Excellence and National Technical Assistance Act, or AACCENT Act, aims to eliminate discrimination and improve opportunities for individuals with significant expressive communication disabilities. It seeks to achieve this by enhancing access to a full range of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, methods, and services. The bill recognizes communication as a fundamental human right and highlights persistent barriers faced by these individuals despite existing disability laws.

To address these issues, the Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award three competitive grants to eligible entities. These grants will establish and maintain a network of National Resource Centers on Augmentative and Alternative Communication in geographically diverse locations. One center will serve as the lead administrative center, coordinating activities, specializations, and information dissemination across the network.

Each eligible entity must be a partnership led by a nonprofit organization controlled by individuals with significant expressive communication disabilities, and include an institution of higher education or professional association. These centers will focus on several priority activities, including increasing access to and effective implementation of AAC for all individuals, regardless of background. They will also build the capacity of individuals with disabilities, educators, and families through evidence-based resources and training.

Further activities include promoting awareness of laws and policies that facilitate AAC access, supporting leadership and self-advocacy skills among individuals with communication disabilities, and improving national data collection on this population. The centers will also work to increase societal awareness about the importance and benefits of effective communication tools. The bill authorizes $9,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund these critical initiatives.