In celebration of October's International AAC Month, the TASH Communications Committee and Snoopi Botten and friends have just released (October 29, 2009) on YouTube an advocacy song for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): "If I Had a VOCA". The adapted lyrics for this song were written to teach the world that everyone needs a way to communicate. People who have little or no speech can communicate with the right technology, training, and support. Sadly, many people spend months, years, and sometimes a lifetime without effective communication. We are working to change that.
Everyone has something to say.
Our goal is effective communication for all . . . in our lifetime!
The unique musical performance is a remarkable trio of computer-generated singing voices. These computerized voices are used by people who have little or no effective speech. It is rare to hear them sing and rarer still to hear them harmonize.
The tune is an old and familiar one which reminds us about justice, freedom, and love. The song is paced for an audience sing along.
We hope you will enjoy the video, sing along with the lyrics as they are displayed on a wide range of VOCAs, and tell others around the world about it so they can join us in song and advocacy.
The song was adapted from the classic song "If I Had a Hammer", by Hays and Seeger which was also popularized by Peter, Paul, and Mary. This video is dedicated to the memory of Mary Travers, whose voice for justice and freedom and love still rings in our ears and in our hearts.
Best regards,
Judy Bailey