Helping Every Child Find Their Voice
Communication opens doors to learning, relationships, and independence. Through the Youth AAC Program, GEO Nova Scotia helps children and youth living with disabilities access the technology they need to communicate with confidence.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools such as speech-generating apps and devices that help people communicate when speaking is difficult or not possible. Through the program, eligible children and youth receive iPads, protective cases, and specialized AAC apps tailored to their communication needs.
Delivered in partnership with SchoolsPlus and Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia, the program helps children express themselves, strengthen connections with family and peers, and participate more fully at home, in school, and in their communities.
*Photo courtesy of Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia
“Having access to this program has made an unmeasurable impact on my child. He went from being non verbal to being able to communicate and express himself and use his words which I never thought was going to be possible. He is now even able to read basic words and choose his own foods on a menu and play games with flash cards.”
— Youth AAC Participant
Stories That Speak Volumes
Behind every device is a child discovering new ways to communicate, learn, and connect with the world around them. Watch how the Youth AAC Program made a difference for children and families across Nova Scotia during our 2025–26 fiscal year.
The Impact
Since the first device was provided through GEO Nova Scotia’s Youth AAC Program in 2022, the program has continued to grow and evolve. To date, GEO has provided:
iPads
Specialized AAC apps
“Once he received the device, the transformation
was remarkable. He immediately began exploring the vocabulary and using it
to communicate, which was incredibly exciting for both his family and me. He became more engaged with others and started forming connections that had previously been difficult for him. His frustration decreased significantly, and he finally had a reliable way to express himself. We were able to help him build his skills with the device and expand his vocabulary before starting
school, giving him a strong foundation for communication in the classroom.
Your program truly helped give him a voice.”
– Youth AAC Referral Partner
