4 ideas for bringing AAC implementation into the future

Lucy was seven years old when she began using an assistive communication device. Back then her speech therapist centred implementation around her basic needs. Now, as a 20-year-old, Lucy’s expectations are much higher. 

Through a combination of hard work and comprehensive AAC, Lucy has earned impressive academic accolades, including top scores on national maths and English exams, as well as a degree in health and social care. 

“Every essay, every research project, and every exam was done one ‘eye-click' at a time,” she says. 

Recently, Lucy applied her mind to generating some ideas about how speech therapists and assistive communication providers can make AAC implementation more thorough and human. Here’s her top four: 

Personality first 

“Implementation is usually focused on needs, like asking for a drink or telling a doctor where it hurts. I’d change it to focus on personality. Implementation should include time to program slang, jokes, and even insults.” 

Privacy by design 

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that AAC implementation often forgets that 20-year-olds have secrets! I’d change how we mount devices and design software so it’s easier to keep my screen private. I shouldn't have to share my private texts or my bank balance with everyone in the room just because my 'voice' is on a big screen.” 

Faster delivery 

“Often, there is a huge gap between the assessment and actually getting the device. When you find your voice, you want it now. Waiting months for funding or paperwork feels like being put on mute. I would change the system so that users get their permanent ‘voice' much faster.” 

24/7 tech support

“I’d change how support is handled when things break. If my screen stops working, I’ve lost my ability to direct my care, to shop, and to talk to my friends. To a professional, it’s a technical issue; to me, it’s a human rights issue. We need 24/7 support for our voices." 

Learn more about AAC for cerebral palsy here.