In the Spotlight: Lance McLemore, BA
Communication Is About Relationships
I was first introduced to Lance McLemore about six years ago while listening to a Talking with Tech podcast interview. Like many people, I was amazed at how quickly he navigated his AAC system. But what stayed with me long after the episode ended wasn’t his speed, it was his perspective.
Lance talked about making AAC meaningful, fun, and connected to real life. Not turning it into another academic exercise. That conversation has stayed with me ever since. It reminded me that the goal of AAC isn’t simply learning a communication system, it’s using that system to build a life.
Looking back, it’s no surprise that Lance’s conference session centers on relationships.
Prior to the conference, we invited 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. Lance’s responses all pointed back to that same central idea.
For Lance, communication is about relationships.
When asked who has influenced his AAC journey, Lance immediately mentioned John Halloran. John is co-creator of LAMP Words for Life, the language system Lance uses every day. Lance also spoke about the importance of his work with ImpAACt Voices. ImpAACT Voices is a community that has supported and inspired his growth as an AAC communicator.
When asked what joy and connection through AAC mean to him, Lance didn’t talk about technology or vocabulary. Instead, he shared a story about volunteering at a nearby AAC camp each June. Watching campers grow in confidence, find their voices, and build friendships is where he finds joy.
What I loved about that response was that it reminds us that communication isn’t an end goal. It’s the beginning of connection. Whether it’s
- making a friend at camp,
- sharing a laugh with family, or
- building a lifelong partnership,
AAC gives people the opportunity to form the relationships that matter most.
Lance will be presenting: A Discussion on Intimate Relationships for AAC Users
That message carries directly into Lance’s session. Beginning with the foundation of communicative competence, Lance will explore the barriers AAC users often encounter when pursuing intimate relationships. He will offer practical ways to support people in building the meaningful connections they want in their lives.
Relationships are a fundamental part of being human. Lance’s session will remind us that AAC users deserve the same opportunities for friendship, love, and connection as everyone else. Communication is the bridge that makes those relationships possible.
I hope you’ll join us for this important conversation.
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: Chris Klein, M.DIV. (coming soon)
Share your comments or questions.