Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School celebrates Better Speech and Hearing Month and Inclusiveness Month

Better Speech and Hearing Month, observed each May, raises awareness about communication and hearing health. It highlights the importance of strong speech, language, and listening skills and promotes early identification and support for individuals with communication challenges. At Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School, the month of May is also recognized as Inclusiveness Month.

Throughout the month, each class will be discussing ways to create a more inclusive and supportive school community where all students feel valued and seen.

MAS Speech Pathologists have shared the information below to highlight the importance of communication diversity. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and showcase people who communicate using assistive devices, and to further promote understanding and inclusion within the school community. 

"Thank you for your continued support in making MAS a more inclusive space for everyone!" said Principal Rob Janowitz in a message to the speech pathologists.

To celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month, the Speech and Language Team at MAS is excited to spotlight students who use speech-generating devices—also known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)—through a special initiative called “Talker Tuesdays.”

Each Talker Tuesday, a student who uses an AAC device will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share a morning announcement using their talker. Talker Tuesdays will take place every Tuesday throughout the month of May.

Video For Young Kids explaining AAC:

Carl the Collector | Meet Paulo, Carl's New Friend! | PBS KIDS

TED Talk from a Young Woman Reflecting on Her Sister’s AAC Journey: 

Speech isn’t the only way to communicate - YouTube

Video Example from Instagram Demonstrating Talker Tuesday:

Instagram