database-aac

[database-aac]

wordmojis for communication or aac

[database-aac]

IM CRYING I WAS WATCHING AN INTERACTIVE AD AND ONE OF THE SOUND EFFECTS WERE “let’s go” AND MY BROTHER SAID “let’s go where???” THINKINGS IT WAS MY AAAC

[database-aac]

aac and baby doll Chloe at part 💕

[database-aac]

For anyone who is semi verbal, nonverbal, or otherwise struggles with speech, please know that there are people who will accept your methods of communication. There are people who won't infantilize you for using AAC, communication cards, making noises instead of words, etc. There are people who won't expect you to pick the mask up again when you stop being so 'talkative'. There are people who don't mind waiting for you to sort your thoughts, and are happy to include you in the conversation.

There are people who accept you as yourself, and I don't just mean toleration.

[database-aac]

i made this instagram post !!! there isn't as big of a community of AAC users on instagram so I thought I would share this on my instagram (@cytochromesea).

EDIT: i got an ask that states that not everyone knows what AAC is which is an oversight on my part, it stands for alternative and augmentative communication!

Image ID:

A light blue background with a rainbow and a cloud and some stars. There is a blue border collie with wings holding an aac tablet that says I love you! Text reads: AAC etiquette. Do’s, Don’ts, and other stuff. By cytochrome sea.

The same background appears in every following slide. Text reads:

AAC is my voice! It is not a toy or accessory

Don’t touch my AAC without my permission

Don’t take my AAC away from me, for any reason (joke, punishment, etc)

Don’t press buttons randomly or flip through my communication cards without permission

How would you like it if I randomly poked you on the mouth and throat (or on your hands if you sign)? It would be unpleasant, so don’t do that to me

Some AAC users can speak sometimes. It is not your business why someone can or cannot talk

Don’t ask questions about why an AAC user cannot speak. 

Do let us communicate however is best for us in that moment

Don’t ask us if or when we will be able to speak verbally. It’s not your business 

Do not value verbal speech more highly than AAC. Any communication is good communication

Some of us never talk, either, and that’s ok! Those of us who can talk sometimes are not better than those of us who can’t. None of us owe you an explanation for our use of AAC.

Don’t look at my screen until I show you. It feels really invasive!

It feels like when someone is looking at your phone screen over your shoulder, so please don’t do this

This applies to low tech AAC as well, don’t look at someone’s cards or letter board until they show you

You have the dignity of forming your thoughts in your head before you say them, whereas my thoughts are all on display. Please afford me the same dignity that you get automatically.

Don’t shame someone for not being able to speak verbally. It makes us feel horrible

We are real people with thoughts and feelings. Please treat us with kindness. 

We are trying our best

Don’t shame someone if their device mispronounces a word. It’s quite literally out of our control.

Other Don’ts. Don’t

Don't Treat an AAC user as childish or stupid for not being able to speak. Our ability to speak does not define our worth

Don't Show frustration at the way someone communicates

Don't Make comments about how fast or slow we communicate

Also don’t…

don't Act surprised when we swear or talk about adult topics like sex, drugs, or violence. We are not pure uwu precious smol beans, we are normal fucking people

don't Assume what is “wrong” with us. There are about a hundred reasons for someone to use AAC and you probably aren’t the expert in any of them.

“OK, so what CAN i do?” im glad you asked! When interacting with an AAC user, DO…

Ask us how we prefer to communicate and support us as you are able

Assume that we are competent

Talk to us with the same respect, tone and vocabulary that you would for any one else

Give us money (this one is a joke)

Understand that AAC grammar isn’t perfect and we are doing our best

Is it rude if…

I can’t understand your device? Not rude! Misunderstandings happen all the time in any conversation, just be patient as you would normally. 

I want to complement your AAC? Not rude!

I ask to see your AAC and understand how it works? This isn’t rude if you are already talking about AAC, but don’t ask random strangers this. They don’t owe you an AAC tour. 

Thank you for listening! This post is for the community! If you are an AAC user, let me know if I missed something in the comments and I will pin it! I hope you are filled with peace and love and I hope something good happens to you today! End ID. 

[database-aac]

Lots of AAC use today,

went to the park at night with my brother and sister, couldn't speak the entire time but they treated me so normal and had patience, it made me very happy.

[database-aac]

gonna post this on the neighborhood forum to try and raise money to but proloquo2go <3

Hi, my name is [first & last name]. I am a fourteen year old multiply-disabled girl. Due to my autism, I lose my ability to speak when stressed, when I'm tired, and in many other situations.

I am looking to work to save up for a new AAC device that will better accommodate my needs. The app is called Proloquo2Go AAC and costs 250 dollars. While I can cover 200 dollars of it myself, I still need to save 75 dollars to cover the rest.  My siblings, [name] and [name], are also autistic, and while they are more reliably verbal than I am, they would also use the app.

While my autism may hinder my ability to speak at times, I am still able to work certain jobs. I am hoping, with the help of you all, I will be able to make the 75 dollars I need to afford this app. Here is a short list of jobs I can do;

Walk small-medium dogs

Make bracelets/necklaces

Bake cookies, brownies, etc

Do art (digital and traditional [watercolor or some things of the sort]) 

Babysitting with the assistance of my mother.

Small around-the-house jobs, such as doing the dishes (hand washing and loading/unloading the dishwasher), with my mother's assistance.

Please check the linked document for examples of my work and prices; [link]

If you are interested, please contact me at [phone number]. While I plan to work for most of the money I need to raise, donations are also accepted and appreciated.

[database-aac]

brought aac device out in public 2day,

plus got strap so its easier to carry around!! The pink matches my case :-)

also gonna get a part time summer job to save up for proloquo2go

[database-aac]

will NEVER get over how supportive my mom is of me using my aac. i cant ut it into wrds. treats me the same when i use it. ENCOURAGES me to use it. i love her sm,, i got very very lucky im so blessed.