In the Spotlight: Tracy Rackensperger, PhD
Participation Changes Everything
The annual NWACS conference has been a touchstone throughout my career. I’ve attended every year for the past 18 years, with one exception. In 2013, my daughter had just been born prematurely and was still in the NICU. Every conference has shaped my thinking in some way, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back.
This year feels different.
Our theme, Joy and Connection, reminds us that AAC is about far more than communication systems. It’s about
- belonging,
- participation,
- relationships, and
- the opportunity to build the life they want.
As part of this Speaker Spotlight series, 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. Tracy Rackensperger’s responses beautifully capture those ideas.
For Tracy, participation is at the heart of joy.
When asked who has had the greatest influence on her AAC journey, Tracy pointed to two foundations:
- her family and
- her education.
She credits her family’s unwavering advocacy for AAC and the support she received throughout her K–12 education in Florida. Both helped her develop independence, confidence, and the ability to communicate effectively. Together, those experiences gave her the opportunity not only to access education but to fully participate in it.
That idea of participation continued throughout her reflections. Tracy shared that being an active participant in both her learning and social environments allowed her to see herself not as someone limited by communication barriers, but as someone capable of navigating, and thriving within, the world around her.
I also appreciated Tracy’s reminder that the goals AAC users have are the same goals most of us share. As she put it, we all want independence, meaningful relationships, fulfilling work, and a place to belong. She hopes attendees leave the conference believing that people who use AAC can and do succeed at the highest levels when others presume competence and provide meaningful opportunities.
Tracy will be presenting: Supporting Communication and Eliminating Stereotypes in Healthcare Settings
That message is especially relevant to Tracy’s session. Through research and lived experience, she will examine the assumptions AAC users often encounter in medical settings. Tracy will challenge us to rethink how communication differences are perceived. Her presentation will remind us that equitable healthcare begins with
- listening,
- presuming competence, and
- recognizing every person’s right to participate in decisions about their own care.
After attending NWACS for so many years, I’ve learned that the sessions I remember most aren’t necessarily the ones that teach me a new strategy. They’re the ones that change the way I think. I have a feeling Tracy’s presentation will be one of those.
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: Lance McLemore, BA (coming soon)
- Speaker Spotlight: Chris Klein, M.DIV. (coming soon)
Share your comments or questions.