Awards and Scholarships
ISAAC offers an exciting awards and scholarships program. ISAAC Awards and Scholarships are presented every two years in conjunction with the Biennial Conference. For all award / scholarship information or application forms (with the exception of the Shirley McNaughton Award and the Bridge School Scholarship), please contact:
ISAAC
49 The Donway West, Suite 308
Toronto, Ontario M3C 3M9
Canada
Phone: (416) 385-0351
Fax: (416) 385-0352
Awards team:
Shelley Deegan: deegan@hhsc.ca
Franklin Smith:
franklin@isaac-online.org
Heather Stonehouse: heather.stonehouse@isaac-online.org
The Words+/ISAAC Outstanding Consumer Lecture Award
The AbleNet - ISAAC Remarkable Achievements Award
The ISAAC President's Award
The ISAAC Distinguished Service Award
The ISAAC Fellowship Award
The Sherri Johnson / ISAAC Conference Consumer Travel Scholarship
The Shirley McNaughton Exemplary Communication / ISAAC Award
The Bridge School International / ISAAC Scholarship
The Words+/ISAAC Outstanding Consumer Lecture Award
PURPOSE:
To provide a platform for a person who uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to present a topic in which s/he has special expertise using any voice output communication system. Words+ and ISAAC wish to highlight the talents (such as storytelling, creative writing, humor), perspectives (on current events, relationships, etc.) or individual endeavors (scholarly, entrepreneurial, recreational, etc.) of an individual beyond AAC, reinforcing the point that a person who uses AAC is not defined by AAC!
AWARD:
Featured presentation speaker at the ISAAC 2012 Biennial Conference in Pittsburgh, USA and a cash award of $5,000 USD.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
- Candidate must be an ISAAC member or applying for membership,
- Candidate must be a person who communicates primarily through a voice output augmentative communication system,
- Candidate must deliver the lecture at the ISAAC 2010 Biennial Conference in person through his/her voice output augmentative communication system (no proxy presenter).
- Lecture must be presented in English. (Translations into English from other languages are accepted.)
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a 500-1,000 word essay addressing the proposed topic of presentation, presentation style, and method of delivery, including a detailed outline of the specific content of the lecture.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION:
- Lecture is a topic of general interest to a broad international audience.
- Lecture highlights the unique talents, perspectives, skills, accomplishments or endeavors of the individual beyond AAC.
- Lecture is not focused on AAC, how a person got their AAC system, “How AAC changed my life,” etc. Proposals that focus primarily on AAC issues WILL NOT be accepted.
- Previous lecture topics have included: The use of humor in social connectedness; feminism; writing and starring in a film; personal experience and perspective on living in different political environments; and family, love and motherhood.
- The winning lecture will be videotaped and will become the property of WORDS+.
PLEASE INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
1. Pertinent personal background information (short curriculum vitae),
2. Two references supporting candidate’s application,
3. A statement of intent to attend the ISAAC 2012 Biennial Conference and to present the lecture using your AAC device, if selected to receive the award,
4. A description of audio-visual and other technical support needed.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
October 31, 2011
The AbleNet - ISAAC Remarkable Achievements Award
PURPOSE:
This award is open to a professional ISAAC member who has utilized easy-tech AAC in a remarkable manner to improve the lives of people with disabilities and further the field of AAC. Easy-tech (not to be confused with NO-TECH) is defined as battery-operated, lower cost, simple-to-use technology designed for communication.
AWARD:
The recipient of this award receives $2,000 USD and is a key speaker at the ISAAC 2012 Biennial Conference. $500 USD is given towards travel to the conference.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
ISAAC member (or applying for membership)
APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. A short essay or video in English from the applicant focusing on how easy-tech AAC tools were used to attain remarkable results with individuals with communication disorders and the impact it had on those involved.
2. Two letters of support explaining why the applicant should receive the award.
3. Personal background information (short curriculum vitae) should accompany the essay or video.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
February 1, 2012
The ISAAC President's Award
PURPOSE:
This award acknowledges extraordinary support of ISAAC by an individual.
AWARD:
A plaque or gift presented at the ISAAC 2012 Biennial Conference by the ISAAC President.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
Professional ISAAC members. Given at the discretion of the ISAAC President, with advice and input from the Executive Board, in acknowledgement of support of ISAAC.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Nominations can be made in writing and sent to the ISAAC Secretariat.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
January 31, 2012
The ISAAC Distinguished Service Award
PURPOSE:
To recognize outstanding contribution to the field of AAC by a group or individual through clinical work, information /knowledge, distribution and research.
AWARD:
A plaque presented to the recipient at the ISAAC 2012 Biennial Conference.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
Professional ISAAC members
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Nominations should be made in writing to the ISAAC Secretariat.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
January 31, 2012
The ISAAC Fellowship Award
PURPOSE:
Honors publicly an ISAAC member who has earned distinction within the ISAAC community.
AWARD:
The title Fellow of the International Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) shall be given for the life of the recipient and may be indicated and abbreviated as F.ISAAC. Presented to recipients at the Membership meeting at the ISAAC 2012 Biennial Conference by the President.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
Members who have made outstanding contributions to ISAAC through (a) scientific and/or practical contributions, (b) leadership within the field of augmentative and alternative communication, and (c) their dedication to the affairs of ISAAC.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Admission to Fellowship is based on information provided in an application by two nominees. However, the ISAAC Fellowship Committee may invite ISAAC members of special distinction to become Fellows of ISAAC.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
April 30, 2012
The Sherri Johnson / ISAAC Conference Consumer Travel Scholarship
PURPOSE:
Sherri Johnson, a longtime member of ISAAC, dedicated many years of her life to advancing the communication and quality of life of people who rely on AAC. This travel scholarship celebrates her life and dedication to AAC. Contributions can be made and are greatly appreciated.
AWARD:
To assist people who use AAC with expenses incurred while attending the ISAAC 2012 Biennial Conference. A maximum of three scholarships of $500 USD each will be awarded.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
Applicants must be ISAAC members who reside in the United States, with preference given to residents of Sherri�s home state of Minnesota. Applicants also must be scheduled presenters at ISAAC 2012.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications should outline expected expenses to attend the conference and any potential financial assistance from other sources.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
April 15, 2012
The Shirley McNaughton Exemplary Communication / ISAAC Award
PURPOSE:
To provide an internship opportunity for training in Blissymbolics.
AWARD:
The successful applicant will receive travel assistance of $500 Canadian, accommodation, and a two-week internship program relating to the language of Blissymbolics and its usage in Ontario, Canada. The internship will consist of opportunities to interact with Bliss users, Bliss alumni and their supporters and to discuss with AAC specialists issues related to the application and development of the language of Blissymbolics.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
ISAAC members who provide instruction to people who use AAC. The successful applicant will be chosen for exemplary communication as an instructor.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applicants should include in their application:
1. A description of their experience in the field of AAC.
2. Their reason for wishing to learn more about Blissymbolics.
3. Two references describing why their communication as an instructor should be recognized as exemplary - one from a colleague and one from an AAC student or parent of a person using AAC.
Applications may be sent by email to:
Shirley McNaughton C.M., Ph.D.
26 Honeysuckle Drive
Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 4X7
shirleymcnaughton@hotmail.com
DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
April 1, 2012
The Bridge School International / ISAAC Scholarship
This teacher-in-training program offers an opportunity to learn and teach Augmentative and Alternative Communication methods in an educational center of excellence at The Bridge School in the United States. Contact:
Vicki Casella
The Bridge School
545 Eucalyptus Avenue
Hillsborough, CA 94110 USA
vcasella@bridgeschool.org
