From Fighting It to Finding My Voice with AAC

October was AAC Awareness Month. Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to any tool or method that supports or replaces spoken language for people who have difficulties with speech. This can range from simple approaches like gestures, signs, and picture boards to more advanced technology like speech-generating devices, eyegaze systems, and text-to-speech software. It allows people to communicate in a way that works for them, on their own terms. I’ve always had mixed feelings about using AAC. It’s never been smooth or simple. At times, I hated it. It was bulky, slow, and frustrating. I spent years trying to avoid it, relying on people around me to speak for me. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t real independence.

This month changed things. Speaking at Cardiff Met – The Power of Lived Experience

I was invited to give a talk at Cardiff Metropolitan University by Katherine Broomfield, a Senior Research Fellow and Speech and Language Therapist, and Ria Bayliss, Programme Director, Bsc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy, as part of their Interprofessional Education Training and AAC Group. I spoke about my life with cerebral palsy, my experiences with communication, and how AAC has shaped my journey, the good and the bad. The students were brilliant. Open-minded, respectful, and genuinely interested. Their feedback? It’s been some of the best I’ve had. They didn’t just listen, they embraced it with enthusiasm. They understood what it means to communicate differently, and how much that matters in practice. That sort of response makes a difference.

Smartbox – Giving AAC a Real Purpose

Later in the month, I visited the Smartbox Assistive Technology team in Bristol, one of the leading companies in the AAC field. They’re the people behind Grid 3, the software I use. Grid 3 is a communication tool that supports people who can’t rely on speech. It’s fully customisable and works with different access methods, eyegaze, switches, or touch. It helps people express themselves clearly, whether that’s through pre-set phrases, full conversations, social media, emails, or presentations. During the visit, we looked at how I use Grid 3 now and how to tweak it so it actually works for me, not against me. I was treated like a professional wanting to improve how I communicate. It was so refreshing to visit such a forward-thinking company that gets how it feels to want to be able to communicate more effectively in today’s ever-growing and fast-paced society. That felt powerful. Properly empowering, in fact.

A Shift in Thinking

I’ve come a long way since the early days of bulky Lightwriters and feeling like an afterthought in conversations. These days, my device gives me control. I choose when and how I speak. I can hold the room. That matters, especially when you’ve spent most of your life being spoken over, ignored, or having people make assumptions before they even get to know you. Let’s be clear, AAC doesn’t make life easy. But it makes life possible. It’s not a luxury. It’s not an extra. It’s how I get my voice out, in my way, on my terms.

Where I Stand Now

I’m beginning to develop a genuine appreciation for AAC, as I continue to see how effectively it supports me in expressing myself clearly and independently. If you use AAC, or support someone who does, know this: it’s okay to feel frustrated by it sometimes. It’s okay to want to throw it all out the window. But it’s also okay to come back to it, to find your way with it, and to say, “This is how I speak.”

This AAC Awareness Month reminded me that communicating differently doesn’t lessen my voice; it strengthens it. However, when I speak, it’s still me being heard. That’s what truly matters.

Here are links for Cardiff Metropolitan University Centre for Speech, Hearing and Communication Research and SmartBox Assistive Technology if you wish to explore AAC further:-

https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/research/research-and-innovation-centres-andgroups/centre-for-speech-hearing-and-communication-research/

https://thinksmartbox.com/

My AAC Journey

Different Voices, Same Message: Why Embracing AAC is Key to a More Understanding Future

Communication is a fundamental part of human interaction. It’s how we express our thoughts, share our experiences, and connect with others. For most people, speech is the primary means of communication, but for those with disabilities affecting their speech, alternative methods are crucial. This is where Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) comes in. It is a tool that bridges the gap and challenges us to see the world from a different perspective.

Embracing AAC is not just about providing a voice to those who communicate differently; it's about understanding that every voice has value, regardless of how it is expressed.

What is AAC?

AAC refers to various tools and strategies that help individuals with speech or language impairments communicate. This can include anything from simple gestures and picture boards to sophisticated electronic devices that generate speech. AAC aims to give individuals a way to express themselves that works best for their abilities, making communication accessible to everyone.

AAC isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; it's a personalised empowerment tool. Whether a child learns to use picture cards to communicate their needs or an adult uses a high-tech device to convey their thoughts, AAC empowers people to take part in conversations they might otherwise be excluded from, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

The Power of Diverse Communication

One of the most powerful aspects of AAC is that it highlights the fact that communication goes beyond words. Different methods are used to express ideas through symbols, technology, or gestures. AAC users remind us that the essence of communication is connection, not the method used.

In a world that often prioritises verbal speech, we need to broaden our understanding of what it means to communicate. Embracing AAC allows us to see the value in diverse communication styles and challenges the stigma surrounding non-verbal speaking. It encourages us to focus on the message rather than the method, leading to more profound empathy and inclusivity.

Breaking Down Barriers with AAC

Traditional communication barriers can be isolating for individuals with disabilities. AAC tools can help break down these barriers, making it easier for people to engage in social, educational, and professional settings. When someone uses AAC, they are not just communicating; they are participating, sharing, and contributing to conversations in ways that might not have been possible otherwise, offering a hopeful vision of a more inclusive future.

For example, in classrooms, AAC can be a game-changer. It allows students who cannot speak to actively participate in discussions, answer questions, and share their thoughts with their peers. In the workplace, AAC enables employees with speech impairments to collaborate with colleagues, contribute ideas in meetings, and express their talents fully. In each scenario, AAC acts as a bridge, connecting people who might otherwise be left out.

Challenging Misconceptions

Despite its benefits, AAC is often misunderstood. Some people mistakenly believe that AAC is a last resort, used only when all other communication methods fail. AAC can be the first choice for many individuals, offering them a reliable way to communicate their thoughts and emotions without struggle or frustration.

Another common misconception is that using AAC means a person lacks intelligence or understanding. This couldn't be further from the truth. AAC users are just as capable of complex thought, humour, and creativity as anyone else; they express themselves differently. By embracing AAC, we acknowledge that intelligence and insight are not limited to spoken words but can be beautifully conveyed in various forms.

Embracing AAC in Everyday Interactions

How we respond to someone using AAC can make a world of difference. It’s crucial to approach these interactions with patience, respect, and an open mind. Here are a few simple ways to embrace AAC in your everyday life:

Be Patient: Give the person time to communicate without rushing them. It might take longer for someone using AAC to formulate their response, but their message is worth the wait.
Focus on the Message: Pay attention to what the person is trying to say, not the method they are using to say it. Acknowledge their message with the same respect and consideration you would give to any verbal communication.
Engage Directly: Speak directly to the AAC user, not just their personal assistant or companion. This shows respect and acknowledges their autonomy in the conversation.
Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Most AAC users appreciate when people try to understand them rather than make assumptions.

My AAC Struggles

As someone in my 40s who has used AAC on and off over the years, I've had a love-hate relationship with it. Still, nowadays, I find AAC helpful when doing interviews or asking for something in a shop. I can pre-record what I want to say. However, I still find it hard to use AAC in everyday conversations. It's not in real-time, so by the time I've typed in what I want to say, that part of the conversation has finished and moved onto another subject before I can contribute to the discussion.

Despite the profound challenges, whilst those early methods of using AAC didn’t work for me, I have been drawn back to using it only to find out it has evolved in some ways. Today, AAC tools have advanced significantly, incorporating predictive text, voice recognition, and other features that better support the needs of my communication today.

Why AAC Matters for a More Inclusive Society

At its core, embracing AAC is about embracing diversity in all its forms. It’s a step towards a more inclusive society where everyone can express themselves, regardless of how they communicate. By accepting and valuing different voices, we create a culture prioritising understanding over judgment.

When we accept AAC as a valid and powerful communication, we communicate that everyone’s thoughts and ideas matter. We open the door to richer conversations, greater empathy, and stronger connections that cross language boundaries.

My AAC Advocacy

I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help others learn to love AAC and never feel embarrassed about using communication devices in public. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be, but it can give you a voice. I'm still learning about AAC, but I'm now trying to use it to educate others that AAC can be more than just a communication tool. It can fuel dreams and elevate potential. I'm trying to show others what disabled people can do. We need to break down the barriers around AAC, and I hope my advocacy can inspire others to join this vital mission.

There are many ways we can advocate for AAC. We can promote success stories that make a difference, helping to spark conversations about accessibility, inclusion, understanding, and acceptance. I hope this message gives you hope. I now want to use my story to educate others and show them that AAC can be an excellent communication method.

My AAC journey is far from over, but it's already taken me further than I ever imagined. I'm excited to see how AAC continues to evolve, and I'm committed to using my voice to advocate for its potential to empower others. The future of communication is accessible, inclusive, and full of possibilities. Let's embrace it together.

Do you have a story to share about AAC? Are you working on a project related to communication accessibility? I'd love to hear from you! Contact me to collaborate or share your experiences.