We tell people that the seats of engagement in the world of advocacy are for anyone but is that exactly true? When was the last time you invited someone uses an AAC Device to be at the table ? AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Supports look different for everyone. In saying that, for some people it takes a lot more work to be at the table to advocate.

There are many people with disabilities who use AAC devices to communicate. We don’t see a lot of AAC users in advocacy circles. I think that’s it’s because the set up in most groups doesn’t exactly allow for enough time for everyone to engage and more so for people who use AAC technology aren’t always heard and sometimes their communication goes unacknowledged.

Earlier this year, I found my disability was challenging my ability to communicate. As a sometimes speaking Autistic person my verbal communication has always been limited. I have some other disabilities that also challenge my communication as well. Sometimes with one of my rare diseases I lose muscle control and the ability to speak.

I recently found myself grieving the loss of community. In the beginning of the year people saw my lack of cognition and my need for increased use of AAC. People in their own ableism pushed me out of my advocacy positions in the sense didn’t realize how much it hurt. when I tried to attend a smaller group with my AAC, it was awful. I felt so discouraged and it challenged me greatly as everyone wants to engage. I started to find myself at the center of insult. It made me realize in my transition to use AAC more that I wasn’t as welcome in the same circles and in fact people started to attack my ability to be a leader.

I eventually walked away completely from these advocacy spaces as the ableism tore me apart. I believe the action to be accessible and inclusive should examine this idea that true advocacy allows anyone at the table.

Our AAC is our voice and it is on fire sometimes if people just pause or stop and wait for the dialogue.

I believe advocacy must be intentional with the idea that everyone has a seat at the table whether they use AAC or use the assistance of another human to help them be heard we really need to realize people who use AAC are leaders in advocating too and welcome at the table.