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Promote the Use of Augmentative Communication Devices

The use of augmentative communication devices can make a significant difference in the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Devices like the Dynavox and software like ProLoquo2Go and many augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies can make it possible for individuals for whom speech is not the best way to communicate to have a voice. We need to make these accessible and affordable to all individuals who can benefit from them and to encourage the development of more technologies like these.

Ronald Leaf, director of Autism Partnership, was recently quoted in USA Today as saying that
"If we could get children to talk without using technology, that would be our preference."</blockquote>

No---our preference is that children, and individuals with disabilities, should be able to communicate in the ways that they are best able. Robert Rummel-Hudson, author of Schuyler's Monster: A Father's Journey with His Wordless Daughter, has also written a letter "calling out" Dr. Leaf for his "glib dismissal of a technology and a communications philosophy that has helped and will continue to help thousands of young people who are unable to speak but deserve to be heard." As Dora has written, just because a person is quite does not mean that s/he does not understand; further communication is a civil right.

The technology is available to give those who, like my son, like Schuyler, and like many many others, a voice, a way to independently express themselves. Let's get out the message that communication is the goal, in whatever form is best suited to each individual.

Pledge now to promote the use of augmentative communication devices.

This is an ongoing pledge that should be fulfilled as often as possible.

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Comments, Suggestions and Stories

james m nordlund Fargo, ND @ 04:39AM PT Jun 01
Pledge fulfilled Jun 01!

Way to go :)

jmn
John W. Knapp Lincoln, NE @ 03:13PM PT May 31

I see a great idea, I've met people who can benefit from this idea.

THIS AUTIE WANTS TO HELP MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR US AUTIES.
Gary O'Donnell @ 05:10AM PT May 31

I use a text-to-speech translator. I want to be able to communicate in a way that is comfortable for me.
starvin marvin Hooterville, North Dakota, and Taffee, Minnesota and Big Beavers, OR @ 11:01AM PT May 30

The smarest guy in the world, ME, no not really, (they call me King of the Dorks though) Stephen Hawkins, the guy who explained how black black holes work to suck the life out of the universe, has to use augmentation devises. I saw him singing with Primus. He rocked. Augmentation devices work good as keyboards for McDonalds employees too.
Kristina Chew Jersey City, NJ @ 08:18PM PT May 29

Initiated this Pledge!