ARASAAC Aula abierta
What is it?
The platform provides both an online course for all those interested in learning AAC but also a guidebook and other resources (tutorials, online courses, examples of use) to apply in communicating with people suffering from autism and related neuro-cognitive disorders. All resources are freely available at the specified web address.
Why is it important? / How can it help the professionals of the cultural sector?
Cultural professionals should have a proactive attitude that will allow them to understand the needs of various target groups, all equally entitled to enjoy cultural heritage, as a principle, but who, in reality, might face different barriers, one of them being the one of knowing how to communicate with non-verbal or partially verbal visitors.
The need to provide adequate signage, to prepare activities in advance, to adapt the daily museum activities to the particular needs of people with autism are aspects that have to be taken into consideration by museum staff if the visitors’ experience is taken seriously.
Tool name
Tool type
Website
Accessibility features
It is an online platform which allows the free usage of the ARASAAC resources for the facilitation of the interaction with people with autism spectrum disorder and assimilated disorders. Settings panel is available on the platform that lets the user adapt the website to their needs (font size, contrast, line height, and others).
Multilingual support
Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, Italian
Public targeted
People with autism spectrum disorders, people with neuro-cognitive disorders, people with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, teachers, families
Open source / free / paid / other
Free content available online
User Interface (UI) adaptability
n/a
Platform compatibility
Online web platform, available both for desktop, laptop and mobile devices; Windows, iOS, Linux
Installation and setup
n/a
Updates and maintenance
n/a
User support and documentation
Instructions are easy to follow, there is an email address provided where one can ask for support and/or more information
Integration with other tools
It provides an online course in the usage of AAC (augmentative accessible communication)
Accessibility standards compliance
WCAG compliant
One/two examples of a project where the tool has been used
The ARASAAC tools have been used in numerous workshops for persons with autism and related disorders
User feedback/success stories
The advantage is that the content is particularly well structured from a thematic point of view: managing emotions, managing time / daily routines, activities (going to school/ museum, eating, likes/ dislikes etc.)