Effingham County School District (ECSD) is excited to recognize Mrs. Skye Wilharm, Speech-Language Pathologist at Ebenezer Elementary, for launching a new project called AAC Gamers. Thanks to a $500 grant she earned from the Georgia Accounts for Exceptional Children, students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) now have more ways to play and connect with their peers.

AAC tools—such as iPads with communication apps, buttons, switches, and eye-gaze boards—help students who are nonverbal or have limited mobility communicate and take part in everyday activities.

During the Best Buddies Club meeting, students used these AAC tools to play adapted board games together. Students using iPads communicated turn-taking and made choices during games, while others used programmed buttons and switches to roll dice or activate game pieces. Students with more limited movement used eye-gaze boards to select colors or answer questions using only their eyes. The room was full of teamwork, communication, and smiles as students of all abilities played side by side.

The room was full of teamwork, communication, and smiles as students of all abilities played side by side.

ECSD is proud of Mrs. Skye and the Best Buddies Club for creating such a welcoming and inclusive experience. AAC Gamers is helping every student feel seen, heard, and included—and that’s something worth celebrating.