1327 Kalakaket Street - Fairbanks,AK .::. (907) 452-4517

The second annual Camp Talkabout included some significant growth markers. Thanks to the generosity of the Fairbanks community we were able to move to a new location.
The Tanana Valley Sportsman`s Association donated their lodge for the entire week at a minimal cost. It was the perfect setting: a rough log building on the banks of the Chena River. The Carpenter`s Apprentice program built accessible ramps that allowed the children and adults independent access to all activities. Private individuals donated money for scholarships so all children could participate. Once again the camp relied heavily on the use of volunteer peer/camp counselors. We had a wonderful group of counselors who each day brought a friend or two to help out.

Camp started on Sunday with trainers arriving a day early to learn how to use the devices and program them. This training was attended by professionals, paraprofessionals, caregivers and family members. 25 plus people attended. Many of these folks took the course for professionalal credit offered through the University of Alaska Fairbanks Summer Program. Part of the professional training included two guest speakers. Kathy Privatsky (SESA/ATLA) once again presented, emphasizing literacy and augmentative communication. Tina Dowd-Anderson, the Pacific Northwest representative from Dynavox, also provided an Advanced Training.

Each day was filled with many activities. Laura Corn, Assistant Director to the camp, provided a wide variety of art activities, games and snacks. A highlight of each day was doing the Limbo! The campers also practiced their talent show skit and spent free time with the counselors each day. The camp shenanigans were hilarious!

On Friday the talent show and family BBQ was a huge success. Campers were able to show off their newly gained skills and talents while the parents smiled (and cried) with pride. Community members from every aspect of the Fairbanks Community came to participate as judges or audience members. Politicians, School Administration, Directors of local agencies and business members all enjoyed the Grand Finale of Fun, Fun, Fun in the Sun!!


The First Annual Camp
For people with limited oral communication skills the use of an augmentative communication system can provide access to academic, social and functional communication. An augmentative communication system can range from low tech systems such as single pictures, picture boards or a Picture Exchange system, to medium tech with recorded voice output, to high tech devices with digitized voice out put. Augmentative Communication (AAC) is a process that increases an individual's opportunities to communicate.

The first annual camp Talkabout Augmentative Communication Camp was held last year June 21-25. Eight campers attended ranging in ages from 6 to 17-years of age. Most participants were local to Fairbanks. One camper traveled all the way from Tok. The campers shared one thing in common: the use of AAC. The camp provided a much needed opportunity for AAC users to meet other people their own age who communicate as they do. Campers participated in a variety of activities including scavenger hunts, arts & crafts and a musical/magic show. Guest entertainers performed and the children had the opportunity to ride horses and visit a petting zoo.

Success of the camp relied on many volunteers and benefactors. Camp counselors were enlisted volunteers from the community. Counselors were peers or siblings of the campers. Also participating were trainers who learned to program and develop AAC systems as well as implement them in a functional way. Professionals from all parts of the Fairbanks community participated: school teachers, paraprofessionals, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists as well as a variety of case managers from non profit agencies. Over 30 adults were introduced and trained in the development and use of AAC systems. Two afternoons of professional development were offered. Tina Dowd-Anderson from Dynavox and Kathy Privatsky from SESA and ATLA provided in-depth training.

Pictures coming soon!