by Jo Ristow, SLP (speech-language pathologist); NWACS Board Member

reading time: 3 minutes

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: Unveiling underlying systemic isolation challenges for AAC users by Grant Blasko (2025)

Isolation

Grant Blasko is a full-time AAC user studying social justice through many different perspectives. He explains that AAC users are very isolated. Part of this is because they communicate differently and that makes others treat them differently. This creates a barrier called speechism and leads to social isolation.

But, AAC users face even bigger problems. They face systemic isolation. Systemic isolation happens because of larger practices and attitudes that isolate AAC users. These lead to policies and systems that cause harm to AAC users in all areas of their life.

Systemic isolation makes it hard for AAC users to build relationships and feel connected and included. It harms their physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Loneliness itself is a big problem and has negative effects on all people.

There are many things that lead to systemic isolation.

Some to consider are:

Limited access to full language. If we give an AAC user a simplified language system, they will only be able to produce simplified language. They cannot take part in important conversations or social activities.
But even giving a full language system is not enough. Right now, we mostly focus on the AAC user and the AAC technology (e.g., “the person needs a better device”). We miss the bigger picture: policies, services, environments that exclude or isolate people.
Some healthcare policies limit AAC users’ ability to find and connect to other AAC users. They do not support groups or mentors. Most AAC devices purchased through insurance cannot connect to the internet. This means the AAC user can’t even go online to find support from other AAC users.
We also focus too much on helping the person communicate "independently". We fail to see that everyone communicates in ways that are not independent. It takes two (or more!) to communicate! Focusing on “independence” instead of connection is ableist and does not mirror the reality of communication.

How can we help reduce systemic isolation?

Look beyond the device! Focus on relationships and community. Communication support should not stop at teaching someone how to use their AAC device. Focus on who they communicate with and what they want to say.
Collaborate with AAC users themselves. They can help researchers, educators, and policy-makers rethink communication goals and policies. Goals need to include social connection and meaningful participation.
Connection is the key. We can create environments and policies that help AAC users connect with others. We can help AAC users build peer networks, participate meaningfully, and meet mentors who understand their specific challenges.
Recognize that everyone depends on others. Support teams can model and teach shared communication. For example, showing peers or staff how to co-create messages, repair communication breakdowns, and celebrate teamwork.
Challenge system barriers, not just individual barriers. Advocate for policy change. Support true inclusion. Even small actions make a difference. Supporting authentic peer friendships in schools instead of peer volunteers “helping” AAC users. Involving AAC users in decision making. Looking at “device abandonment” through the lens of trauma and system failure. Welcome and support many modes of communication wherever you are.

As Blasko says, if we measure success as “fixing” the AAC user to fit society we will fail them. If we think of success as focusing on community support and shared problem solving, we will start to break down barriers in a real way.

Citation:

Blasko, G. (2025). Unveiling underlying systemic isolation challenges for AAC users. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 41(3), 215–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2025.2515279

Access full article: https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2025.2515279