Yvonne, a colleague here at United Cerebal Palsy of Greater Houston, has a mantra, “Always have a backup plan.”  This rings true as an AAC user and as someone just trying to make her way in today’s difficult society.  Having an AAC device can be a great asset to any user. However, what happens when a person’s device is not working? Does he or she have a spare device just lying around the house? In most cases, the answer would be “no.” This is where the back up plan is essential. 

So, what’s your backup plan? I have the privilege of owning two DynaWrites. When one is down, I just use the second. However, others who do not have this luxury, should have a low-tech device that would allow them to communicate their wants and needs to their family and friends. A simple word board is one example. This tool is very easy to make one and there are some available for download one from the internet. A second affordable option is the Easy Push Talking Pocket. It allows a 10 second message to be recorded giving the user the ability to voice their needs and wants by pressing a button with a picture on the front. For more information on the Easy Button Talking Pocket, visit www.mayer-johnson.com.  There are also several different devices and games that will allow the user to communicate effectively when his or her device is down. 

Whether it’s a word board or a second device, it is necessary to have a backup plan. One should have a line of offense if their voice is suddenly taken away. Technical glitches occur on a regular basis on all devices. So, a plan of action is the way to ensure that your voice can always be heard!