A partnership between Olancho Aid, Nazareth School, and Carlow University is expanding access to AAC and speech-language support for non-speaking students in Honduras.
Through Olancho Aid’s Global Exchange Program, Nazareth School has developed an ongoing programmatic partnership with Carlow University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. During an initial service-learning experience in Honduras, Carlow graduate students and faculty spent time alongside local educators and students, learning about the school and observing how students with complex communication needs participated in daily classroom life.
That experience led to a deeper clinical assessment. In March 2026, the Carlow University team completed therapeutic diagnostics to better understand students’ individual communication needs. Through that process, Dr. Allegra Cornaglia and the team identified students who could benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including high-tech devices equipped with specialized communication applications.
Expanding AAC Access for Non-Speaking Students
At Nazareth School, 27 non-speaking students currently rely on gestures, signs, facial expressions, and intuitive cues to communicate with teachers and classmates.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools and strategies that support people who cannot rely on speech alone to communicate.
For students at Nazareth School, high-tech AAC can provide another pathway for expression. Using words, symbols, and specialized applications, students can build their own sentences and longer messages based on what they want to communicate.
That can mean asking a question in class, sharing an opinion, telling a story, expressing a need, or participating more independently in everyday interactions.
Access to high-tech AAC technology and specialized training remains limited in Honduras and across much of the region. This makes the current pilot an important step in expanding innovative approaches to inclusive education and speech-language support in Honduras.
From Speech-Language Assessment to AAC Implementation
From Speech-Language Assessment to AAC ImplementationAfter identifying the need, Dr. Cornaglia returned to Nazareth School to begin introducing AAC resources and training teachers and students in their use.
The technology is only one part of the process. Effective implementation also requires teacher preparation, individualized communication strategies, and continued collaboration with students and families.
This pilot is the first step toward expanding speech therapy and communication services at Nazareth School. As the program develops, Olancho Aid plans to evaluate how the tools are being used, strengthen teacher training, involve families, and expand access based on what the school community learns through the process.
For Olancho Aid, innovation means using new approaches thoughtfully—evaluating what works, building local capacity, and improving educational opportunities over time.
How Global Exchange Supports Long-Term Educational Partnerships
This collaboration reflects the purpose of Olancho Aid’s Global Exchange Program.
A service-learning experience led to professional assessment. That assessment led to a pilot program. Now, international and Honduran educators are working together to expand communication access in a way that is grounded in local priorities and designed for long-term growth.
Through the Global Exchange Program, universities, healthcare professionals, educators, faith communities, and other educational partners can develop long-term partnerships in Honduras that combine professional collaboration, local knowledge, cultural humility, and shared purpose.
Be Part of the Next Story
Join Olancho Aid’s Global Exchange Program to learn, build relationships, exchange knowledge, and work alongside local communities to strengthen inclusive education in Honduras.