by Cassandra Stafford, MS, CCC-SLP/L, ATP (Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional), NWACS Board Member

reading time: 3 minutes

The views expressed in this post are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.

We are preconditioned to expect people to be able to use spoken language. It can be emotional and unexpected when a child has a disability that affects their ability to use spoken language. Or when an adult loses the ability to communicate using spoken language. Starting an AAC journey may mean first working on your mindset.

Mindset #1: We ALL use AAC

We do not usually think about it, but we ALL use AAC! AAC is any method of communicating other than spoken language.

• When we use a chat feature in a virtual meeting, we are using AAC.

• When we send a text message, we are using AAC.

• When we send an email, we are using AAC.

• When we write a letter or note to someone, we are using AAC.

• When we draw a picture to help explain something, we are using AAC.

• When we use emojis, we are using AAC 😲 [image: “astonished face” emoji].

I could go on. AAC options are so integrated into our lives that we do not even realize how frequently we use AAC to communicate! But for most of us, it is more about convenience or socially accepted standards. For our loved ones with communication disabilities, AAC is a necessity to meet their communication needs.

Mindset #2: AAC is NOT giving up

Because we are so used to people using spoken language, we hold an expectation that people should use spoken language. That spoken language is somehow superior to other forms of communication. The medical model approach to disability guides us to hold spoken language as the gold standard. To “wait and see”. To treat AAC as a last option. This is wrong.

Babies start learning language and communication skills at birth! As we realized in Mindset #1, spoken language is only one way we communicate. While speech - the “spoken” part of spoken language - is a common and easy method of communication for many of us, it is language (the meaning and messages) that makes communication, well… communication!

Disabled children need and deserve to have language access as soon as possible! Communication is an important factor in a person’s quality of life. AAC is a crucial early step to set a child up for meeting their greatest potential. For success in

• social engagement,

• language,

• communication,

• academics,

• literacy,

• work,

• and yes, maybe even speech (if it is possible for them).

Mindset #3: Presume Competence

Presume potential. Believe all children CAN learn and develop skills. We do not know how far they can go if given the chance! I never want to be the reason a child is held back from their potential. If we believe in a child, they have a tendency to reach higher. If we set the bar low, children often stay in the box we build for them.

Every human being communicates. It may be different than how you communicate, or different than how you expect or want them to. But each one of us communicates. “Different” is hard and sometimes scary. But the effort is always worth it!

Mindset #4: Communication is Messy

Even between two people using spoken language! We are human. So our communication is rarely perfect. But communication is not about perfection. It is about connection and participation and engagement. Focus on the message and the connection. The rest will fall into place.

Mindset #5: Now is the Best Time

There is no good reason to wait.

It is never too early.

It is never too late.

A child (person) is never too disabled.

A child (person) cannot be too anything for AAC.