When you speak, you probably don’t think about how long it takes to get your words out. You start talking, and your message arrives almost instantly. But for someone who uses AAC, time is always part of the equation. It takes longer to construct a message using a device, and that means we have to be intentional about how we set up their systems.The goal? Maximize efficiency without sacrificing meaning.
Every year, I hear the same hesitation:“Our students just aren’t ready for high-tech AAC.”It sounds practical—but that belief is a myth that has held too many students back for too long.
This week we’re highlighting an important open-access article written by a team that includes researchers, a parent, and an AAC user.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve walked through AAC research article —“Dismantling Societal Barriers that Limit People Who Need or Use AAC” by Janice Light, Susan Fager, Jessica Gormley, Glenda Watson Hyatt, and Erik Jakobs.
Even when someone has access to an AAC system… even when people believe in them… even when supports are in place…They can still feel alone.That’s what this post is about: social isolation as a societal barrier.
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and an avid podcast listener, I’ve always found joy in learning through storytelling. Podcasts have long been my go-to for inspiration, continuing education, and even a few much-needed laughs during a long commute or lunch break. But when it came to AAC—Augmentative and Alternative Communication—I started to notice something missing.
