Mon Dec 01 14:59:15 UTC 2025: Summary:

Vidya Sagar, an Indian NGO dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, is expanding its efforts to promote augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for non-verbal children. The organization was key in developing Avaz, an AAC device that aids communication through visuals and text. With recent funding, Vidya Sagar plans to train more educators and parents in AAC strategies and establish an ACC user forum, furthering their mission to make AAC a more widely recognized and accessible communication method.

News Article:

Vidya Sagar Aims to Broaden Access to AAC Technology for Non-Verbal Children

Chennai, India – December 1, 2025 – Vidya Sagar, a leading Indian NGO focused on disability support, announced plans today to significantly expand access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies for non-verbal children with disabilities. The organization spearheaded the development of Avaz, an AAC device that enables communication through pictures and text, and recently partnered with global AAC company PRC-Saltillo.

Speaking at an event in Chennai, Vidya Sagar founder Poonam Natarajan highlighted the need to raise awareness of AAC as a vital communication tool, stating, “Sign language has become so well known today but AAC is not, and we want to get it there.”

Avaz inventor and Invention Labs CEO Ajit Narayanan emphasized Avaz’s positive impact, saying, “The device put India on the radar of the AAC world. One of the things with Avaz is that it’s pure good with no dark side.” Avaz Inc. CEO Narayanan Ramakrishnan further noted the user-centric design of Avaz as key to its success.

Fueled by ₹35 lakh in funding, Vidya Sagar aims to train more parents and teachers in AAC strategies, facilitate an AAC user forum, and work towards making AAC-facilitated conversations a reality for more children. “Having a conversation using AAC is still a dream. It’s a special day because our journey with AAC is entering another level,” said Kalpana Rao, Principal of Vidyasagar. The initiative promises to open new avenues for communication and inclusion for non-verbal children across India.

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