In my last blog, I wrote about removing any access and opportunity barriers to make AAC a success. I would like to continue discussing barriers – namely attitude. This is another important aspect in knowing who you are even with a speaking device. It is admitting the need for a communication system. Moreover, the potential for AAC user or even his/her family members feel embarrassed for any kind of apparatus is very real and something that must be overcome.

I remember talking about this issue with the parents of a child that needed a speaking device. They wanted their son to appear as normal as possible. Having a “box” for communication purposes in front of him threatened their unrealistic expectation even though the boy was also in a wheelchair. Their perception is common among other parents with children born with cerebral palsy with a speech disability. Even family members with a loved one with an acquired communication disability struggle with the concept of normalcy. It is an extremely frustrating issue, as being able to communicate to express thoughts and desires far outweighs any strange apparatus.

I recalled my dad having issues about my wearing my head pointer in public. Although he made the headgear when I was 15 years old for me to type on a typewriter, he forbade me to wear it in public. I was allowed to use the pointer only at home and at school. I remembered after graduating feeling particularly frustrated at church when I wanted to talk to a friend who had asked me to write letters for the stewardship committee. My mom was one of the few people that could understand my speech. I loved my mom, but I hated having a second party interpret for me – I wanted to communicate with my head pointer and a low-tech communication board that I had then.

Approximately 20 years later, before he passed away in 1986, my dad saw the true value of my head pointer. I had moved on to independent living from a nursing home and my dad used to tell me that he was so proud of my accomplishments. He accepted my pointer wherever we went. This made me feel good.

I am who I am, and who I am is what you get. I come with my pointer now to access my Vmax in front of my power chair. Without these devices, you wouldn’t know who I truly am – a contributor to society by giving my soul to whomever needs hope and encouragement. I also give people a hearty laugh when they need it. I couldn’t do this or communicate with the outside world without the obliteration of attitudinal barriers.