Bridging Communities Through Alternative Communication (BCTAC), formerly AAC Friends & Leaders
A few members of the BCTAC group at UC Berkeley.
The Bridging Communities Through Alternative Communication (BCTAC) group, formerly AAC Friends & Leaders, is a diverse group of people with unique abilities who come together to share experiences and ideas, collaborate to plan meaningful events, and develop ways to raise awareness of individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
The Bridge School is committed to providing resources and support to members of this group (individuals 15 and older) in the advancement of their own independence, self-determination and self-advocacy.
Members meet one to two times a month to plan and organize events, participate in roundtable discussions, listen to invited speakers addressing topics of interest, and to document and share their experiences.
Instead of being in the background, lead the way and be in front!
The BCTAC group is unique in the sense that there are not many groups of its kind in existence. The group’s vision is to be a voice that reaches across communities. Members are committed to making a difference in not just their own lives, but in the lives of other individuals who use AAC. They are invested in sharing their message that regardless of physical abilities AAC users:
- are intelligent individuals first and foremost
- are leaders and mentors in the community
- are teachers and educators
- are a knowledge base for others to tap into as well as knowledge seekers themselves
- are creative and informative writers
- are community volunteers
- have a variety of talents (e.g., small business owners, artists, docents, etc.)
- have multiple modes and strategies to communicate
- are social networkers
If you want to do something, you have to make it happen! BCTAC members share with each other ideas for future activities.
This group’s core values are: Community; Equality; Independence; Determination; Perseverance; Integrity; Cooperation; Collaboration; Participation; Communication; Impact; Influence; Awareness; Balance; Expression; Support; Pursuit of dreams/goals; Decision making.
For many, being a part of a group like this also provides the opportunity to be with friends and peers. It is a place for support and the sharing of ideas, exploring and finding resources and meeting new friends.
“I need to know there are other people like me in this world. I can belong to this group and don’t feel alone.”
“I want other people to know I am a normal guy.”
“I want to have fun and meet new friends.”
Some of the monthly meetings are dedicated to planning a retreat that is held in the summer for both local and out-of-state members. The BCTAC typically select a theme for the retreat and work towards creating and organizing the daily activities around this theme. Activities may include invited speakers, presentations by members and fun evening events to just hang out with friends. The retreat is for individuals 17 and older.
Download and print the BCTAC flyer [PDF, 446KB]
If you would like to be added to the BCTAC mailing list and receive notification of upcoming events, email