In the Spotlight: Morgan Brewer, AAC User
I have had the privilege of getting to know Morgan over the past year! She has so much insight into what it means to be an AAC user in a world that prizes speech and independence above all else. She talks a lot about how communication is not about doing it alone. Instead, it is about connection and interdependence.
So many times, speech therapists write goals for people to be independent meaning “alone, without help.” We do this thinking that independence is a way to support people in their communication without interference. We think independence with AAC means:
- Finding vocabulary without prompting.
- Creating messages without physical or verbal assistance.
- Initiating communication independently.
These goals are easy to take data on, so they became common markers of progress.
But, we see that ideas around independence are changing!
- Jenny Morris has written that independence means choice and control over one’s life, not the absence of personal assistance. This is especially true for disabled people living in a society that is dominated by able-bodied norms.
- Edwards and Schippers note that there is “dignity in interdependence” because it supports community and relationship. A focus on independence tries to diminish the need for others’ support.
- And many AAC users describe interdependence as a key element to communication including Morgan herself!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, Morgan!
A: I am a 26 year old proud speller, member of Summit Community Center, and a docent at the Woodland Park Zoo. You can find my personal blog (Musings by Morgan) on Substack.
Q: When people hear the word ‘independence’ they often think about doing everything alone or without help. Is that what it means to you, or does it mean something different?
A: To me it means finally having my own voice and sharing my real thoughts. This means I’m in control of my own life.
Q: What is something people assume you need help with that you actually prefer to do yourself?
A: I can undress and get ready more on my own. I can also be with friends without people hovering around.
Q: What is something you appreciate having help with?
A: I still need help from my partners so I can talk at any time.
Q: How can someone help in a way that still respects your independence?
A: I just need my tools so I can guide my own life. People I trust treat me as an equal.
Q: What role does your AAC system play in your independence?
A: My iPad is my portal to the world. Typing is my voice and connection.
My iPad is my central device for my communications, texting/emailing, technology needs, and leisure. Proloquo4Text is my main voice – I can type either on a detached keyboard or directly on my iPad (my spell board is a good back-up). Proloquo2Go is my back-up for simple, quick commands or to access scripts I have written (for example at the Zoo).
This is my voice that has freed me to communicate my real thoughts with everyone and show my true intelligence and personality. My partner helps support my initiation, concentration, and regulation, but all of the thoughts are my own. I use my voice in every setting, including Summit, the Zoo, the community, and socially with my friends and family. I pride myself on being a great storyteller and communicator.
People react really well to hearing my thoughts via the iPad. They understand it is my voice and should be encouraged to communicate directly with me, not through my partner.
Q: What should communication partners know about respecting your autonomy and independence?
A: You have to fully trust and believe in me. We are friends and partners, but all the thoughts are mine.
Q: What advice would you give family members, professionals, or support staff who want to encourage independence?
A: I am a grown woman now and need to be treated that way. I know it might be hard but we are in a new era now.
Q: What advice would you give another AAC user who is working toward greater independence or self-advocacy?
A: You can do it! It is all inside of us just waiting to come out. We all deserve to be seen and heard.
Q: If you could redesign the world to make it easier for AAC users to be independent, what would you change first?
A: Somehow we need to make spelling faster. Or better yet help others slow down and really listen.
Q: Do you have further thoughts on independence?
A: I just think this is so important and I’m honored to be part of it. It’s really just about communications.
Q: What is it that works so well with you and Megan (your main communication partner)?
A: I feel like she treats me as a friend and that makes me feel free.
Q: When is communication hard for you?
A: Under pressure to perform I can get nervous. I don’t feel like I need to prove anything with Megan.
Q: It seems your focus is really on communications, your relationships, and integration into the community?
A: I think you are spot on Jo. Maybe that’s where I can help best. It feels exciting that I might be able to make a difference.
Closing Note
Let’s all work together to make the world a more interdependent place! By focusing on connection, relationship and trust, we can help free the voices of more AAC users!
Share your comments or questions.