In the Spotlight: Chris Klein, M.DIV
The Everyday Moments That Matter Most
I was first introduced to Chris Klein through a video he created with Dr. David McNaughton several years ago. Like many people, I was amazed to see him navigate his AAC device with his big toe. But what stayed with me long after the video ended wasn’t how he accessed his device, it was what he chose to say.
Chris talked about
- independence,
- literacy,
- relationships, and
- the importance of helping others understand how to communicate with people who use AAC.
It was a powerful reminder that the goal of AAC isn’t simply communication. It’s connection.
Throughout this series, we’ve asked each featured AAC communicator to reflect on their AAC journey, the people who have influenced them, and what joy and connection mean in their lives. Chris’s responses reminded me that some of life’s greatest joys aren’t found in extraordinary moments. They’re found in everyday relationships.
When asked who influenced his AAC journey, Chris didn’t point to a single mentor or program. Instead, he talked about perseverance and a family that made sure he was included in whatever was happening around him. Those experiences shaped not only his own journey but also his desire to help others discover what they’re capable of.
When I asked Chris what joy and connection through AAC mean to him, his answer made me smile:
“Joy is just building relationships. It’s supporting one another, but also trash talking. Arguing, and all those other things that come with a relationship.“
I love that perspective because it’s so real. Relationships aren’t built only through perfect conversations or carefully chosen words. They’re built through shared experiences, inside jokes, disagreements, encouragement, and all the little moments that make us human. AAC gives people the opportunity to experience all that.
Chris hopes attendees leave the conference believing that anything is possible with AAC communication. His own life reflects that message. He’s been married for fourteen years, has written a book (My Big Toe), is working on a second, and enjoys sports and fantasy football.
Chris will be presenting: Faith and AAC: Sharing Beliefs Through Communication
In his session, Chris will explore how AAC communicators can participate more fully in conversations about faith and religion. Drawing from his own experiences, he will discuss ways AAC users can
- share their beliefs,
- engage in meaningful spiritual conversations, and
- participate more fully in faith communities.
More Than Technology
Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard four very different stories. Stephanie reminded us of gratitude. Tracy reminded us of participation. Lance reminded us that communication is ultimately about relationships. And Chris reminds us that those relationships are built in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Each of our speakers pointed back to the same idea: AAC is about so much more than technology. It’s about people, belonging, and having the opportunity to live a full and connected life.
I hope you’ll join us at NWACS to hear Chris’s story and the many others that will inspire, challenge, and shape the way we think about AAC.
Visit the conference page to learn more about this year’s NWACS conference!
Connected Posts
- Speaker Spotlight: Stephanie Fassov, MA
- Speaker Spotlight: Tracy Rackensperger, PhD
- Speaker Spotlight: Lance McLemore, BA
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