A few years ago, I scheduled back-to-back therapy sessions for two girls who used the same AAC device. On several occasions, we had group sessions so the girls could talk to each other. It was wonderful to see them bond, check out each other’s device, and then play a game or work on the computer together. Both girls enjoyed the joint sessions more than individual sessions!
Has your AAC user talked with another AAC user? Has he even met another AAC user? Usually, the answer is ‘no.’ It is more than likely that your AAC user is the only one in her classroom, therapy center, stroke support group, community, or other location.
Seeing and talking with other AAC users can be very motivating, instructional, and reassuring. DynaVox's Dialog provides opportunities for DynaVox users and their care teams to connect. AAC list servs like PACT and ACOLUG also help AAC users and their care teams connect with others using or supporting AAC solutions. Taking the conversation beyond the virtual world, members of these groups sometimes plan activities or meet in a less structured ways.
Sometimes, it can be helpful just to see or hear about another AAC user. These resources provide inspiring videos and stories about a wide variety of AAC users:
- DynaVox In the News: A collection of videos and stories from media sources around the world.
- DynaVox Success Stories: Stories and videos featuring a variety of AAC users.
- 1 Voice: Web site with a music video created by (and starring) AAC users.
If you have a story about AAC users meeting online or face-to-face, please share it with us at connections@dynavoxtech.com.