#semiverbal

[postmanic]

a comic about verbal words :3

next comic

[yeoldecryptid]

Okay, I just learned we got the worlds first nonverbal voice actor, and as a semi verbal person who has wanted to see more AAC users in media FRIGGIN FINALLY. Seriously, I’m just happy people understand that the statement ‘nonverbal voice actor’ is not an oxymoron.

Edit: People kept bringing up Madison Bandy, who played Renee in the Pixar short film ‘Loops.’ She is indeed earlier. Some news articles were misrepresenting Odin Frost. However, he is the first nonverbal voice actor in a kids show, and Paulo, the character he portrays, is the first full time AAC user in a kids show, as far as I’m aware.

[vixdesl]

[weepinggenesis]

i dont like the disabling part of autism being erased by ableists so heres some of the bad parts! ദ്ദി(ᵔᗜᵔ)

i ignore everything and everyone if im doing something, even emergencies!

i get frustrated very easily and throw things!

one unmet expectation can send me into a shutdown. if even more happens (which is common) it turns into a meltdown!

i push people and yell when i have meltdowns! i hit myself! i run away!

i cant have my house keys at night because nobody would be awake to catch me if i elope!

i need someone to walk me over every single step for certain tasks!

i cant speak in full sentences like you see here and i take a long time to type them out!

in school i couldnt do any of my assignments because they werent related to my special interest! i needed them modified.

i cant wash dishes by hand but i cant stand dishes that arent squeaky clean (as in, literally squeaks)

im very sensitive to temperature, but can only tell that its upsetting me when im already super super angry!

i cant handle finances on my own!

i cant remember how long ago things were so i need everything to be written down and set on a clock! even eating!

i need someone to give me food so i dont get malnutritioned!

i cant tell directions and get easily disoriented, so even if i have a map i might get lost!

i elope without my walker which means i end up in a lot of pain after!

i cant tell time correctly so i end up super early or super late!

i need my mom to wash my hair for me!

i need picture guides so i dont get overwhelmed by basic things like showering and getting dressed!

[thehorrorwood]

“no!! dont use your aac device or your cane! youre gonna look disabled!!!!”

im gonna hold your hand when I tell you this-

[faggotisaacfloofs]

Okay I have been trying to sleep for an hour but can't so I think i have to name this and since tumblr is my public journal I'm doing it here.

Went to hardware store with caregiver today.

Got paint for living room. To get paint need to have person mix the color. Person was clearly queer and noticed me and caregiver as queer as well, had the "i see I'm among family" type interaction, was lovely

But

During the like. 10 minutes. They did not pay attention to a single thing i said (using AAC obviously). They talked a lot to my caregiver. But. They sure weren't talking to me or acknowledging or responding to a single thing I said even when I thanked them at the end.

And. It sucks that queer moments are ruined by ableism. I still am happy to see someone out and about being queer and having that lovely interaction

But I'd honestly rather interact with a cis-straight person who is communicating with me, than an lgbtqia+/queer person who isn't acknowledging my communication. Like. That's not even a question.

So.

I'm sad, I guess. That's what I have to say. I wish the interaction could have just been good, and not have such a sour center.

I am going to try to allow for the possibility that they just did not hear my AAC. It's possible I guess. It wasn't loud enough that I needed earplugs tho and that is usually the measure of if someone within 3 feet can hear my device at loudest volume! But some people are hard of hearing. So. Trying to give benefit of doubt since it had multiple sounds happening.

(But honestly like. If a person can hear what my caregiver is saying they should be able to hear what my device is saying at same range. They were not speaking loudly! We were so close! The store was was quieter than normal! I wasn't wearing earplugs in a public building that's how quiet!!! (I needed them in parking lot and every store ever more of the time!))

And also this kinda thing happens all the time which is why I am more jumping to sad.

It sucks being ignored.

It sucks not being able to speak.

It sucks not being able to partake in normal conversation when I want to!!!!

Everyone learn your local sign language and stop being a dick to people who you view as developmentally or otherwise mentally disabled!! We are still people and have thoughts!! Stop being a dick to people who can't speak. Be patient when someone is using AAC of any sort (speech device, letterboard, communication cards, gestures, etc). Make the effort to communicate with us.

[autisticdreamdrop]

hyperverbal autistic ✅️ valid

fully verbal autistic ✅️ valid

verbal autsitic with verbal loss ✅️ valid

semiverbal autistic ✅️ valid

nonverbal autistic ✅️ valid

[theonestopshop]

AACPUNK

AACpunk is a movement that challenges ableism and promotes the acceptance and inclusion of all forms of communication. It stands for the inclusion of individuals who rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including nonverbal individuals, neurodivergent people, and those with various communication challenges, whether temporary or permanent. It works to break down barriers such as prohibitive costs, restrictive protocols, and social stigma, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to AAC tools.

Flag meaning

The top blue is representing communication in all its forms

The red is for breaking of barriers, stereotypes and ableism

The light tan-brown for neurodivergence

The gray for self-determination

And the cobalt for free access

Flags by @kpopwerewolf

Person with AAC symbol by @blackholemojis

ALT FLAG

ALT FLAG 2

Core Beliefs of AACpunk:

• Communication is a right, not a privilege. No one should be denied access to AAC tools of any kind.

• All communication is valid. Whether someone uses text-to-speech devices, symbol boards, writing, gestures, or any other form of AAC, their voice matters.

• Rejecting ableism in communication. Society often devalues nonverbal and AAC users, treating them as lesser. AACpunk stands against this by demanding equal treatment and respect.

• Breaking barriers to AAC access. Many AAC users struggle to get the tools they need due to cost, medical gatekeeping, or stigma. AACpunk fights for free and open access to communication tools.

• Neurodivergent and disability pride. AACpunk is inherently tied to neurodivergent and disabled liberation, embracing identity without the need for “fixing” or forced conformity to verbal speech norms.

AACpunk is inherently supportive of:

• All individuals with verbal communication challenges, no matter how they express themselves.

• No-tech, low-tech, and high-tech AAC users.

• Individuals who are neurodivergent, disabled, and who choose AAC as their primary means of communication.

• Self-determination in communication choices, without societal pressure to conform to verbal norms.

• Accessible education, workplaces, and social spaces for all individuals, regardless of communication style.

• The ability to communicate anything, even content deemed controversial or inappropriate, including through symbol-based AAC.

• Free access to AAC tools, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent communication.

AACpunk is inherently against:

• Speech supremacy and verbalism, the belief that spoken language is superior.

• Medical and educational systems that gatekeep access to AAC, preventing people from receiving the tools they need.

• Forced speech therapies and practices that demand conformity to verbal communication norms.

• The infantilization of AAC users, treating them as less than or incapable of making their own choices.

• The exclusion of AAC users from conversations about accessibility, rights, and inclusion.

• Dehumanizing attitudes toward nonverbal individuals and those who use AAC.