This is a plain-language summary of a journal article. The article is one of 21 articles in a special issue of the AAC journal (Volume 41, Issue 3, 2025). All the articles are written or co-written by AAC users. The articles are free to read. Plain-language summaries of research are important for accessibility. Providing summaries in plain language helps make complex information easier to read. This helps to better understand and put the research into practice.
Summary of: Speaking from the heart: a story about innovation, resilience, and infinite possibilities with AAC by Nazareth (2025)
Losing his speech and searching for help
Godfrey was 25 years old and studying biomedical engineering when he started having trouble with balance and speech. At first, he thought he was just tired. Later, doctors told him he had motor neuron disease. Motor neuron disease is a type of disease that makes it hard to move. Movements become hard because your brain can’t tell your muscles to move the way they usually can. As Godfrey’s speech got worse, he felt lonely and unheard. He remembered reading about Stephen Hawking’s AAC system and decided to look for something similar. He found a lending program at Temple University that let him try augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This was the beginning of his journey with AAC.
Wanting something better
Godfrey tried many AAC devices, but none of them felt right. They were too heavy, too slow, or hard to carry. He wanted something that fit his life and his personality. He wanted something lightweight, portable, and stylish. Because he could not find what he needed, he decided to build his own AAC systems. He used different hardware over the years, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. He kept improving his systems as technology changed.
Building his own AAC systems
Godfrey’s current AAC setup uses an Android phone, a wrist attachment, and a Bluetooth speaker. He uses text‑to‑speech apps, word prediction software, and different voices. His system lets him communicate in English and French. He can give presentations, talk to people while traveling, and even project his screen onto walls. His AAC tools also became part of his family life. When his daughter was young, he used his device to play bedtime stories and songs. These moments became special memories for both of them.
Living well with AAC
Godfrey continued to work and follow his interests while getting used to living with motor neuron disease. He has been a biomedical product development engineer, a formulation scientist, and an entrepreneur. Biomedical product development engineers create technology used in healthcare. Formulation scientists test products. And entrepreneurs make new businesses. Godfrey has worked in many industries and has many hobbies, including learning about airplanes, robots, and the structure and meaning of languages. Building his own AAC tools taught him important lessons. He learned to take responsibility for his life and to accept both the good and the difficult parts. He believes this world view helps people to see new possibilities.
Improving AAC for the future
Godfrey now focuses on improving AAC technology. He wants AAC systems to show emotions better and to allow faster communication. Because of his background in acting, he knows that it is very important to be able to express your emotions. He believes that new technologies can help AAC users communicate faster and more naturally. He is especially excited about three new technologies. He is excited about artificial intelligence (AI), which is a kind of computer program that can learn. He is excited about devices with “multi-modal inputs.” That means that these devices can be controlled in many different ways. Multi-modal inputs can make devices more accessible for people with disabilities. Godfrey is also excited about non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). This is a kind of technology that connects devices to people’s brains. “Non-invasive” means that this technology does not involve surgery, which can be dangerous.
The importance of communication
Godfrey believes communication can change lives. He says that communicating well can help people “work miracles.” Through AAC, creativity, and open-mindedness, he continues to find new ways to live fully and stay connected to his community.
Citation:
Nazareth, G. (2025). Speaking from the heart: a story about innovation, resilience, and infinite possibilities with AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 41(3), 248–249.
Access the full article: https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2025.2508491
Portions of this paper were presented at the Future of AAC Research Summit held May 13-14, 2024, in Arlington, VA.
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