Pixie generally use high tech symbol based AAC device . Is amazing technology that give Pixie a voice . Make possible for Pixie to communicate almost anything :
- needs
- wants
- feels
- funny observations
- ideas
- thoughts
- opinions
- and so much more !
Pixie also very active and do many different outdoor activities in all seasons such as :
- alpine skiing
- rock climbing
- hiking
- kayaking
- camping
- swimming
- summer camps
- And even just go walk with Pixies service dog , in all sorts of weather conditions !
High tech AAC devices not can be used in all these situations . Pixie live in Seattle , is very often raining . Pixie not know of any high tech AAC device is fully waterproof and can be actually used in any weather . Touch screens not work when wet !
Pixie have make many different types low tech AAC . Getting laminator was absolutely essential ! Pixie have made many different sets of laminated communication cards for different types of outdoor activities .
For skiing Pixie made cards such as “ too cold or wet “ , “ need a break “ , “ lost gloves / something else “ . Pixie have a card with the difficulty levels of ski runs and a laminated trail map Pixie can point to .
Sometimes is easier and faster to use communication cards for phrases that get used often , like at libraries .
Pixie also made many different cards for general use , for when not can use high tech AAC device . Maybe it need charged , or too wet , or just not have access . Maybe Pixie too overwhelmed to use high tech AAC device , that happen actually a lot more often than most people think !
Communication cards are great but is important to not go too crazy . Making too many cards , get more difficult find specific card , especially when overwhelmed . But also need enough to communicate important things .
Pixie usually ask people what are familiar with the specific activity and with disabilities like Pixie , what they think is essential things that need be communicated during activity . And can always add more cards as need , and remove cards that not work !
But even laminated cards not can be used everywhere . When Pixie go rock climbing , for example , not can use cards because Pixie on rock wall is too far from people on ground . In these situations Pixie use simple hand signs to communicate with people on ground , which have be taught to every new person Pixie go rock climbing with .
Insurance companies usually pay for just 1 AAC device , every some amount of years . Pixie think with WA Medicaid , is one new “ speech generating device “ ( high tech AAC device ) every 5 years . And that is *NEVER* enough , not enough to communicate effectively and fully in all situations . AAC communication need to be fit to each individual person , and all situations and environments that each individual person lives in and experiences . This be absolutely not possible with just one AAC device .
Nobody else is expected to use just one way of communicating ! Even people with no speech or communication problems still use many many different ways of communicating , like :
- speech
- text messages
- voice calls
- social media
- video calls
- and more !
People with speech problems deserve to have just as much access to many different methods of communication that fit each person’s needs .
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