I don't go to restaurants very often, but I wanted to talk about this anyway: Going to restaurants as an AAC user.
The fear of not being able to convey my thoughts and preferences to the waiter or waitress can make the whole dining experience unpleasant. I tend to worry that the staff may not understand my communication device, or it might be too loud to hear my device in the first place. Due to this, I have my mother (or friend, if I am with a friend) order for me. But this brings up another fear, if they don't know it is a communication device, I become afraid that they think I am an "I-Pad kid", which makes me even more anxious.
Also, ordering at a restaurant often involves a lot of pressure to perform quickly and efficiently, especially during busy times (absolutely not saying that this isn't stressful for staff too because of being rushed). This can be even more stressful for AAC users who are slower at using AAC and need extra time to type their order.
Everyone deserves to have a positive dining experience, regardless of how they communicate. Restaurant staff can play an important role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for AAC users. They can take the time to listen carefully, ask questions, and show empathy and patience. And for AAC users, here are a few things that you might be able to do to make it easier for yourself, too:
Prepare your order beforehand
Buy a special case with volume enchantment (I don't know what it's called but I know it exists)
Turn up your volume to the highest option if it's loud
Show the staff member your screen if necessary
Wear a pin explaining you use AAC or are nonspeaking (I recently ordered one off Etsy that says "I hear + understand but don't speak", which I am very excited to receive)
