People who use AAC are PEOPLE first. They are diverse in their capabilities,
interests, strengths, weaknesses, potential, successes and failures.
Stereotypes or "disability profiling" are a terrible injustice
because they don't consider the person as an individual. Here are just
a few stories about people who demonstrate that the AAC community is
as diverse as any community.
As you get to know the community of AAC users, you see that...
Many join the
working world
According to the census bureau, approximately 3.7 million people with
severe disabilities were employed in 1995. Here are a few stories about
individuals who use AAC for work. (Source: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/RNotes/1997/adapt.pdf)
Personal
goals are also diverse
AAC users have dreams and hopes and plans that sound very familiar
to able-bodied people! There is no reason their dreams should be any
different.
Some people
are artistic
The individuals profiled here demonstrate their artistic talents through
a variety of medium. They include painters, poets, singers, and playwrights.
Living
independently in the community
Here are a few stories of people who not only live independently, but
also strive to be active members who contribute to and educate people
in the community around them.
