I communicate in many different ways. I use my Vmax and my alphabet board.  I might vocalize, use gestures or sign language, point to something or even use an instant messenger if I’m at home. Which method I use depends on what is most efficient for me at the time.

When my personal care attendant (PCA) and I go to a restaurant, I use my alphabet board because I will have his full attention. And with my PCA it’s faster because he can successfully guess at a word.  It is more private and I don’t want the whole restaurant to know what I’m saying. But I always bring my Vmax with me.

When my PCA isn’t in the room with me I use my Vmax to tell him what I want or what I need, or to tell him something.

Sometimes I will yell for my PCA to “Come here” and will point to something on the TV, or show him an email or maybe something that I wrote. Sometimes I will go get him, and make a gesture to “Come here”.

I also use an instant messenger to communicate with my PCA. If I am hungry and I am at my computer, I use IM to say “I am hungry,” or to say “Come here” to have him look at an email that I got. In fact, I just IM’ed him to check my grammar on this blog post – everyone needs an editor and he is my editor.

For me, the method of communication I use might just depend on how excited I am to tell my PCA something, or how tired I am. Whatever method is at hand, though, I always have my alphabet board with me as a backup.

It’s okay to use different methods to communicate. Sometimes one method of communicating is faster, it just depends on a person’s needs and abilities, and the situation. I am not saying don’t use a communication device, I am saying use whatever is appropriate at that time. Obviously, a communication device is often the best way, but also remember that the person will want to use other methods to communicate, so accommodate those.