A while ago, Bethany Diener wrote an entry in this blog called “Ah-ha.”  In it, she talked about that moment when someone just seems to “get” the purpose of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  Sometimes, however, people seem to understand the purpose of AAC—they just don’t get the purpose of it for them.  Or, a family member might see why others might use AAC but not their loved one.

The key in these situations is to determine what they can no longer communicate that is highly motivating or important to the person with a stroke or TBI.  If we can do that, we might help to personalize the need for AAC.  We might help make the jump from understanding AAC to understanding what’s in it for me.

Think about it from your own perspective for a minute.  What could you not get through the day without being able to communicate?  Your morning coffee order at Starbucks?  The chance to say “I love you” to a child or partner?  Providing specific directions about how you want your hair done?  Telling stories about your family or your involvement in a community organization?  Gossiping about a co-worker?

If you were unable to speak (or speak very much) you might not be able to do any of these things.  If you saw that AAC could help you say them, would it be of interest to you?  At least of more interest than if you only thought it could help you say “I’m hungry,” “I’m thirsty,” or “I need to go to the bathroom.”?

Lately, I have been hearing about many of the topics that have spurred individuals with aphasia (resulting from a stroke generally) and a few other diagnoses to understand why they should use AAC.  Here are a few of the motivators:

• Telling stories about Vietnam.
• Placing bets on college sports.
• Requesting coffee just the way she likes it (even though she has been told she can’t drink coffee!).
• Continuing in a volunteer job.
• Talking about the family business he ran until he had his stroke.

Of course, we know that AAC can be used to say much more than just the one motivating or important thing.  But, if not for that one topic, there might never be the chance to say anything!  Check out this AAC Needs Assessment as a potential way to determine what would really be of interest to communicate.