By Carson Covey, PRC-Saltillo Blogger
I don’t know about you guys, but after sixteen years of experience with AAC, I noticed that I grew greatly with my device. When I got my first device, I despised it! I never used my device other than in my speech therapist’s office. My therapist threw me into a group of two other boys near my age at the time. Her goal was that I would use it more if I saw other peers using their devices.
Quite frankly her plan worked because I like to win everything and this felt like a challenge or a competition. They had a at least two years head start on me using their device. I recommend group therapy for new users and seasoned veterans. As a matter of fact, I prefer group therapy over one on one therapy. One of the reasons why is you have the therapist’s mentorship and your own peer mentorship as well.
The peer input sticks better in my opinion. I challenge you guys to have a conversation for a few minutes with your family and friends where the only thing that is said is by using the device. Yes, I mean that your family and friends would have to use your device to talk as well. Who knows, you could teach them something or they may have a better understanding of what it takes for you to communicate.
Communicators In Action - group, aac, therapy, young adult, challenge, speech, implementation