AAC Cabinet

AAC blog - Part-time AAC user - Avaz

[aac-cabinet]

INTRODUCTION

[PT: introduction /end PT.]

Hi! My name is Ὀρφεύς (Orpheus) and l am a part-time AAC user! I am neurodivergent, verbalflux, and multiply disabled. A few things to know; I am an adult, I use he&/they& pronouns (keep the &), I am a webdev and artist for AAC Image Library.

This is Καλλιόπη (Calliope), she uses any pronouns. She is an iPad Pro 4th gen, 11 inches. She has a SEYMAC case to protect her while I carry her around! Not only is she my AAC tablet, she also acts as a portable canvas, as well as providing ordinary tablet functions. She is also not the only form of AAC I have.

Outside of AAC, I love music, and psychology, and advocating for human rights. Occasionally I will go LIVE to answer questions about AAC and chat with other AAC users, so stay tuned!

This is the account of Ὀρφεύς and Καλλιόπη!

Links:

AAC-cabinet - everlink.tools

Link to server:

Join the COFFEE'S CONTENT CAFÉ Discord Server!

Check out the COFFEE'S CONTENT CAFÉ community on Discord - hang out with 620 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

Video description under cut

Video description:

An animated intro post of a person and their AAC tablet for communication, drawn in white over a tannish brown background. In the first few seconds the user’s avatar — a blobby line-art humanoid with no legs, a floating pair of hands, and a head with shaggy hair, dot eyes and a simple smile, waves to the viewer with text reading “Hi! My name is Ὀρφεύς (Orpheus) and l am a part-time AAC user!” He moves to the other side of the screen, gazing off to the side with a pensive expression with text reading “I am neurodivergent, verbalflux, and multiply disabled.” He moves back to the right side and puts a finger up with his mouth open with text reading “a few things to know; I am an adult, I use he&/they& pronouns (keep the &), I am a webdev and artist for AAC Image Library.“ Line-art of a tablet with an Apple-style floating island and camera replaces the avatar, with text reading “This is Καλλιόπη (Calliope), she uses any pronouns.” The line-art switches to a real-life picture of Calliope’s screen, reading “This iPad is a disability aide. It is my voice. I use it for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and may need extra time to respond—please be patient. Do not touch my device [symbol of hand with red circle and cross-bar] / do not watch my screen unless asked [symbol of eye with red circle and cross-bar / remind me to keep it charged [icon of a battery with a red exclamation point].” A bracket shows that she is 11 inches in length. Text reads “she is an iPad Pro 4th gen.” Now a picture of Calliope appears, an iPad in a heavy-duty red-and-black case with a slot for a white Apple Pencil, attached to a strap like a guitar strap covered in pins. Gesture lines and exclamation points emphasize her. Text reads “she has a SEYMAC case to protect her while I carry her around!” Line-art of the avatar using Calliope to speak appears with text “Not only is she my AAC tablet”, Calliope flies out of the avatar’s hands, transforms and squashes the avatar. She is now in full frame, and a hand draws a figure on her. Text reads “she also acts as a portable canvas,” Calliope shows the YouTube icon with text reading “as well as providing ordinary tablet functions.” The avatar reappears holding cards that say “please be patient” among other things. Text reads “she is also not the only form of AAC I have.” The avatar and his cards fly off screen and text reads “Outside of AAC, I love music, and psychology, and advocating for human rights. Occasionally I will go LIVE to answer questions about AAC and chat with other AAC users, so stay tuned!” Numerous symbols flash up with the text—a fist for human rights, and a dot beside Live like it’s a live recording. The text vanishes and the screen goes black, replaced with a real photo of the account owner posing with a cane in a cubone mask and tail, surrounded by AAC images, drawing implements, communication cards, zines, the same cane folded up, a therian mask, and a tail. Text reads “This is the account of Ὀρφεύς and Καλλιόπη!”

[aac-cabinet]

damn, baby me would have killed to learn that aac is a thing or even that you can use it part-time. I learned how to talk really early but its always been insanely difficult and i have frequent nonspeaking episodes but my parents just. didn't care or notice. because I could talk sometimes and it wasn't obvious how hard it is. any advice for someone who may want to start using aac part time later in life? I would actually kill to not have to force myself to talk it would make my life so much easier but idk where to start or anything

idk i feel like i'm not disabled enough to use it because i can talk its just really hard, but also it would drastically improve my quality of life and i could really use some advice.

I actually started using AAC later in life too, and I remember having a lot of the same thoughts. I could talk, so I felt like I wasn’t “disabled enough” to use it, even though speaking was exhausting and there were times when I just couldn’t get words out the way I wanted to. It took me a while to realize that AAC isn’t only for nonverbal people. There are a lot of part-time AAC users, and there are a lot of us who started using it as teens or adults.

What helped me the most was starting small instead of trying to completely change how I communicated overnight. I started using AAC in low-pressure situations where I felt safe, like with close friends, during calls, or even just by myself to get used to the feeling of communicating that way. You don’t need a dedicated device to begin, either. A handmade communication note cards, a notes app, a notebook, or a simple text-to-speech app can be a perfectly good place to start while you figure out what works for you.

I also think one of the hardest parts is giving yourself permission to use it. When you’ve spent years forcing yourself to speak because that’s what everyone expects, it can feel like you’re somehow taking up space that doesn’t belong to you. But AAC is an assistive tool. If it reduces the effort it takes to communicate and improves your quality of life, then it’s doing exactly what it’s meant to do. You don’t have to reach some imaginary level of disability before you’re “allowed” to use something that helps you.

And honestly, don’t be afraid to take it at your own pace. You don’t have to use AAC all the time, and you don’t have to justify it to everyone around you. There will always be people who don’t understand, but there are also a lot of people in the AAC community who have had similar experiences and are happy to help. You’re definitely not alone in figuring this out later in life, and I think it’s worth exploring if it could make communication easier for you! 💛

[aac-cabinet]

[aac-cabinet]

Alt text under cut

Let's talk about the term "Autism [Parent]" (mom,dad,etc.)

Is it just me or does it feel weird when allistic parents call themselves “autism parents”?

Like… something about that wording just gives me the ick.

Your child is autistic. That’s their lived experience. Their brain, their sensory world, their communication, their identity.

You are involved in their life; yes you support them, advocate for them, raise them, but you are not the one experiencing autism.

So why are you labeling yourself with it?

It starts to feel like you’re centering yourself in something that isn’t yours to hold.

And what really gets me is when it’s the same people who say “their autism doesn’t define them”... but then turn around and define themselves by their child’s autism.

Like which is it?? Because that contradiction is loud.

If autism “doesn’t define them,” why is it defining you?

It comes off less like support and more like identity borrowing.

It's like taking something that impacts your child’s entire existence and turning it into a label for yourself; one that gets you community, attention, or authority in conversations that should be led by autistic people.

Yeah, parents deserve support spaces. Raising a disabled child can come with real challenges.

But there’s a difference between:

“I’m a parent of an autistic kid”

and

“I’m an autism parent”

One keeps the focus where it belongs. The other kind of...shifts it.

Autistic people already get talked over enough; especially Autistic POC and HSN & MSN Autistics. Their experiences get filtered, explained, and often overwritten by the people around them.

So when even the language parents use starts pulling that focus away, it doesn’t feel harmless, it feels like part of the same pattern.

Like just… support your kid. Advocate for them. Learn. Listen.

But you don’t need to make their autism your identity to do that.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Do not talk over autistic people here.

Do not talk over POC or MSN/HSN autistic people either.

If you’re allistic or otherwise not part of those groups, this is a space to listen, not dominate the conversation. You can contribute and ask questions, but you are not the focus here.

Autistic voices,especially those who are most marginalized, should come first.

[aac-cabinet]

Hello! Our name is Hawke. We are plural and We are amistic (have ADHD). We were wondering if you have any advice on getting reminded when you have an inconsistent schedule? Thank you for your time!

(used our aac app to type this for practice; forgive any errors, and please ask for clarification if needed!)

Do you mean on us posting or in general?

If it's the former, you can turn on blog notifications or join our server

If it is the ladder, set a bunch of alarms and reminders, have your friends remind you, put sticky notes everywhere, have a giant physical calendar or calendar widget

[aac-cabinet]

HOW MY MODERATE SUPPORT NEEDS SHOW UP IN MY DAILY LIFE (TEXT VERSION)

‪Before we get into this:‬

- This list is not solely about my autism, though autism is a major factor in many of these areas. My support needs are shaped by multiple disabilities, conditions, and life factors.

- Some of the things listed may be seen by society as embarrassing, gross, or socially unacceptable. I am sharing the reality of my daily functioning, not a sanitized or romanticized version of disability.

‪- Support needs can fluctuate. What I can do independently one day may be harder another day depending on pain, fatigue, stress, executive functioning, sensory issues, or other factors.‬

Key:

❤️ = has to be completed by someone else

🧡 = need help with

💛 = need supervision

💚 = need reminders

🩵 = can do completely on my own

💙 = it’s complicated

💜 = can do some parts but not others

🩷 = not applicable

BASIC ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (bADLs)

PERSONAL HYGIENE

(Moderate Support)

Brushing teeth: 💚/💛

Washing face: 🩵

Bathing/showering: 💚/🧡

Haircare (appropriate for hair type/texture): 🧡

Using deodorant: 💚

Nail care: 💙

Shaving: 💚

Hand hygiene: 🩵

DRESSING

(Low-Moderate Support)

Choosing weather-appropriate clothing: 💚

Putting on clothes: 🩵

Taking off clothes: 🩵

Fastening (zippers, buttons, ties, buckles, shoelaces): 💙

Recognizing dirty vs clean clothes: 🧡/❤️

Changing clothes regularly: 💛

Dressing for occasion (school, work, events): 🧡

EATING

(Moderate Support)

Preparing a plate/portioning food: 🧡/❤️

Using utensils: 🩵

Drinking water/staying hydrated: 💚/🧡

Eating meals: 💛/🧡

Recognizing hunger cues: ❤️

Recognizing fullness cues: 💙

TOILETING

(Low Support)

Using the bathroom: 🩵

Maintaining hygiene after use: 🩵

Managing hygiene supplies (pads, wipes, etc.): 🧡

Recognizing need to go: 🩵/💚

Managing schedule for bathroom use: 💚

Hand hygiene after toileting: 🩵

MOBILITY

(Low-Moderate Support)

Getting in/out of bed: 💚/🧡

Walking or using mobility aids: 🩵/💛

Navigating obstacles safely: 🧡

Stairs and uneven surfaces: 🧡

Balance and coordination in crowded spaces: 💛/🧡

Energy management for movement: 🧡/❤️

BASIC HEALTH & BODY REGULATION

(Moderate Support)

Recognizing illness/symptoms: 🧡

Pain awareness/interpretation: 💚/🧡

Managing chronic symptoms: 🧡

Resting when needed: ❤️

Maintaining sleep schedule: 🧡

Going to bed independently: 💙

Waking up/responding to alarms: 🩵

Regulating overstimulation (noise, light, crowds): 🧡/❤️

Regulating under-stimulation (fatigue, shutdowns): 💛

INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (iADLs)

HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT

(Moderate-High Support)

Cleaning & tidying up: 🧡/❤️/💜

Laundry (washing, folding, putting away): 💛/🧡

Basic repairs / upkeep: 🧡

Managing clutter and organization systems: 💜

Remembering household tasks: 🧡

Maintaining personal space hygiene: 💜

COOKING & FOOD MANAGEMENT

(Low-Moderate Support)

Preparing no-cook meals (cereal, snacks): 🩵

Preparing simple microwaveable meals: 🩵/💚

Preparing stovetop/simple recipes: 💚/💛

Preparing complex meals or recipes: 🧡

Using kitchen equipment safely: 💛

Food safety (expiration dates, storage): 💚/💛

Meal planning: 🧡/❤️

Grocery list creation: 🧡

Following recipes step-by-step: 💜

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

(Moderate Support)

Understanding money value: 💛

Paying bills: 🧡

Budgeting: 💛

Tracking expenses: 🧡/❤️

Using debit/credit cards: 💛

Checking bank balance: 💚

Saving money: 💚/💛

Avoiding scams / risky purchases: 🩵/💛

Impulse spending control: 💛/🧡

TRANSPORTATION

(Low-Moderate Support)

Walking independently: 💛

Biking or driving: 💛/🧡

Arranging transportation (rides, ride share, asking for rides): 🩵

Navigating public transit: 🧡

Reading schedules/routes: 💛

Using GPS/maps: 💜

Transit safety awareness: 💛

Managing delays or changes in plans: 🧡

COMMUNICATION & SELF-ADVOCACY

(Low Support)

Making phone calls: 🩵

Sending messages/emails: 🩵

Managing appointments: 💚/💛

Asking for help appropriately: 🧡

Self-advocacy (school/work/medical): 💙

Setting and maintaining boundaries: 💙/🧡

Explaining needs clearly (including AAC use): 🩵/💙

Repairing misunderstandings in communication: 💜/💙

SHOPPING & ERRANDS

(Low-Moderate Support)

Grocery shopping: 💛

Buying necessities (toiletries, clothing, etc.): 💚

Understanding price: 💛

Distinguishing needs vs wants: 💛/🧡

Comparing options before buying: 💚

Completing transactions (cash/card): 🩵

Handling returns/exchanges: 🩵/💛

MEDICAL & HEALTH MANAGEMENT

(Moderate Support)

Taking medications on schedule: 🧡

Refilling prescriptions: 🧡

Scheduling appointments: 💛

Attending appointments independently: 💜

Describing symptoms to providers: 🩵/💚

Following treatment plans: 💛

Tracking symptoms over time: 💚/🧡

SAFETY & RISK AWARENESS

(Moderate Support)

Recognizing unsafe situations: 💙

Emergency response (calling 911 or contacts): 🩵

Home safety awareness: 💚

Fire / evacuation awareness: 🩵

Stranger danger / trust boundaries: 🧡/💚

Online safety / digital risks: 🩵/💚

TECH & DIGITAL LIVING

(Low Support)

Using phone independently: 🩵

Using apps for daily life (calendar, reminders): 🩵

Managing passwords/logins: 💙

Email management: 💚

Screen time regulation: 💛/💙

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING / DAILY STRUCTURE

(High Support)

Starting tasks: 💛

Finishing tasks: 🧡/💛

Switching between tasks: 🧡

Time awareness (being on time, estimating time): 🧡

Remembering daily routines: 💚

Planning ahead: 🧡/💜

Prioritizing tasks: 🧡

Dealing with task overwhelm or shutdown: 🧡/💛

[aac-cabinet]

[aac-cabinet]

TEXT VERSION HERE

[aac-cabinet]

Guys how could i make storytimes for tiktok featuring AAC user stories / situations where like people can submit stories and i share them in a storytime format

[aac-cabinet]

[piercingcomet]

[video description: video titled "interviewing AAC users / part 1

Time - 8:03"

throughout the video, two AAC users are recorded. one on a tablet, and the other on a laptop. they both use symbol based AAC, and the perspective changes depending on who's speaking.

transcript:

orpheus: Introduce yourself!

alex: My name is Alex. My pronouns are they he it. I'm a part time AAC user

orpheus: What AAC do you use?

alex: I use many types of AAC. I prefer to use AAC on my iPad, but also use it on my laptop and phone. I mainly use the app TD snap but I also use avaz and occasionally weave chat and asterisks grid. I use low tech and high tech. I use low tech at school, and high tech when I can. I use my podd binder for low tech, or letterboards or other low tech boards. I am planning on making a pecs binder. I use symbol based AAC.

orpheus: How long have you been using AAC? For what reason did you start?

alex: I've been using AAC for a year. I started because I was interested and having trouble speaking when regressed or in certain social situations. I am also demiverbal.

orpheus: Do you have specific disorders or disabilities that impact your ability to communicate verbally?

alex: I have a physical disability, tics, and I suspect I have autism but am not diagnosed. I am also a system which has an effect on my verbality. As I have more trouble with physical activity because of my physical disability, speaking also became harder

orpheus: How do people usually respond to you using AAC?

alex: People respond differently to me using AAC. My friend Zepherite, is very very supportive. Other people act odd, or think I'm using it because I want to be a speech therapist or something, not because I have trouble speaking. Which they wouldn't believe anyway because I had no trouble when I was little.

orpheus: What are things you like that people do when you use AAC? Things you dislike?

alex: I like when people look at me when I'm using AAC, and treat me like any other person. I don't like when people baby me. I am just as capable, smart, and independent as anyone else. I just need help speaking.

orpheus: What are some common misconceptions about AAC users that you've noticed?

alex: Some common misconceptions are that AAC users are not as smart as others, or are innocent, precious people who are like babies. Or that they cannot swear or talk about sex or drugs. Specifically because of the symbols, and another big misconception is that you have to be nonverbal to use AAC or a certain age.

orpheus: If you could change or improve anything about your AAC, what would it be?

alex: I would make it free, of course. I run on free trials typically, haha. I really like TD snap but it's so expensive. I would also like better voices, because they glitch and can sound really robotic.

orpheus: Has AAC impacted your relationships with others? How so?

alex: It has positively impacted my relationship with my friend zepherite. If you haven't figured that's not their real name, just a nickname. I felt like I could trust them more, If I could trust them with this. Other people have acted a bit odd, but I haven't used it around many people because I'm too nervous.

orpheus: Has AAC impacted your relationship with yourself?

alex: I mean, kind of. At first I felt like I didn't really need this because I can speak verbally and kind of put myself down. Eventually, I started getting over that and since then AAC has helped become closer with myself.

orpheus: What advice would you give to someone who is new to AAC?

alex: I would tell them not to give up and that it take time to become fluent when using aac, and don't be afraid using it around other people, I promise no one will get mad.

orpheus: What would you say to parents, educators, or SLPs who are learning about AAC?

alex: I would tell them the best people to learn from are AAC users. If they have a child or person using AAC, or are teaching them to use it, do not limit the vocabulary! If you can say it with your mouth why not your device! Also if a child is hitting a button multiple times, don't remove it.

orpheus: What does being an AAC user mean to you personally?

alex: Being an AAC user is a part of me, what it means to me personally is hard to explain. It means I'm quote "different", sure but to me it also means I'm able to do things differently and sometimes, better. I can plan out speeches and conversations, sore throats don't stop me, I can solve math problems on my AAC because I have a white board! I can solve problems visually, because my brain gets fuzzy. Basically, AAC is my brain and it means as much to me as other people's brains do to them.

orpheus: Is there anything about your experience that doesn't get talked about enough?

alex: I guess the fact that people under 18 find out about AAC and start using it without their parents or ess el [unintelligible] educators. Or how many AAC users parents don't support or believe them and say "but you didn't have any problems when you were younger!", even though there are many factors can cause speech issues later in life.

orpheus: Do you know of any resources that AAC users, and their supports should know about?

alex: Things like discord servers or social media groups for AAC users are very helpful, but more specific recourses or assistive wear, with pee dee effs (PDFs) for low tech boards, AAC language lab and satillo also have the same things, TD snap also has low tech boards and recourses on their website. The communication bill of rights is also very helpful.

orpheus: What do you hope people take away from hearing your story?

alex: That AAC users are people, we are not babies. Do not baby us unless you got specific permission, or are actually talking to a toddler or baby. Also that every AAC user is different. We each have different needs, and AAC's that our fit to our needs.

orpheus: Is there anything else you want to share?

alex: I am very happy to be part of this interview. Another thing I'd like to say is I hope this helps people learn about AAC, because the more people know, the more people with out voices can finally get them.

/end transcript & description]

[aac-cabinet]

[aac-cabinet]

AAC HISTORY: PART 3

part 1 - part 2 - part 3

1973 – Rehabilitation Act (Section 504): Recognizes AAC as an assistive technology.

1975 – Education for All Handicapped Children Act: Mandates access to education, boosting AAC.

1980s – EyeTyper by Sentient Systems allows typing via eye movement. AAC becomes a recognized field under ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

1990s – Dynavox launches dynamic touchscreen AAC devices with word prediction. AAC tech becomes portable, programmable, and more customizable.

2004 – Assistive Technology Act (ATA) reauthorized; expands state-funded AAC access.

2010 – iPad revolutionizes AAC: Launch of Proloquo2Go and other robust apps. Apps become categorized: Basic, Moderate, and Robust.

2010s–2020s – YobiiDynavox, PRC, Saltillo introduce eye-gaze, head-tracking, and switch-access SGDs.

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) gains widespread use.

[aac-cabinet]

AAC HISTORY: PART 2

part 1 - part 2 - part 3

1960 – Goldberg & Fenton expand AAC use to more diverse populations.

1963 – POSM (POSSUM) developed by Reg Maling; a sip-and-puff typewriter controller.

1964 – Bev Vicker leads first known AAC implementation project in Iowa (published early 1970s).

1970s – AAC devices evolve rapidly:

Talking Brooch (1973) – First wearable AAC device (alphabetic display).

Lightwriter by Toby Churchill – Two-way display for typed communication.

Handivoice – Early Speech Generating Device (SGD) with voice output.

ANTIC – First device with letter prediction.

Tufts Interactive Communicator (TIC) – Advanced scanning system.

[aac-cabinet]

AAC HISTORY: PART 1

part 1 - part 2 - part 3

Ancient Greece – Early forms of sign language used as manual communication (oldest AAC system).

1836 – Morse Code developed by Samuel Morse; becomes second-oldest AAC system.

1920 – F. Hall Roe Communication Board created, the first known AAC device.

1952 – Goldstein & Cameron publish first AAC intervention paper (with aphasia patients using communication boards).

1958 – Feallock documents use of communication charts with people with physical disabilities.Ancient Greece – Early forms of sign language used as manual communication (oldest AAC system).

1836 – Morse Code developed by Samuel Morse; becomes second-oldest AAC system.

1920 – F. Hall Roe Communication Board created, the first known AAC device.

1952 – Goldstein & Cameron publish first AAC intervention paper (with aphasia patients using communication boards).

1958 – Feallock documents use of communication charts with people with physical disabilities.

[aac-cabinet]

i think you would like this drawing i made for valentine's day :)

[aac-cabinet]

Image Description:

A collage of photos of a doll labeled “MY AUTISTIC BARBIE ARRIVED.” The doll has medium-brown skin, long dark hair, and wears a lavender striped dress and purple shoes, shown sitting on a wooden surface.

Close-up photos highlight her accessories: a pink AAC tablet, pink ear defenders, a small pink fidget toy, and a shot of her shoes.

End of image description.

[aac-cabinet]

AAC USERS! Finish this sentence

I'm an AAC user, of course I...

[aac-cabinet]

HAPPY AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to recognize the diversity, contributions, and lived experiences of autistic people.

This used to be called Autism Awareness Month, but the shift to acceptance reflects what autistic people have been asking for. Respect, inclusion, and being taken seriously.

A lot of autistic people still deal with barriers in school, work, healthcare, and everyday life.

Autism is a spectrum and a lifelong neurotype. It is not linear and it looks different for everyone, with each person having their own strengths, needs, and ways of communicating.

Some famous autistic people of recent history:

Heather Kuzmich

Ros Blackburn

Dan Aykroyd

Anthony Ianni

Satoshi Tajiri

Temple Grandin

Autistic YouTubers:

I'm Autistic, Now What?

Chloé Hayden

Jacksepticeye

Owiebrainhurts

Illymation

Also, I'm autistic! Ask me anything!