#aac device

PT: Going nonverbal is not a thing. End PT

I’m a part time AAC user due to verbal shutdowns. I use a high tech AAC device, text to speech apps, communication cards and a DIY letter board.

A lot of people like me, who experience verbal shutdowns incorrectly label themselves as “nonverbal”. This misuse of language actually harms the nonspeaking community, and speaks over their lived experience. Nonverbal and nonspeaking describe a full time, long term state of being unable to speak much or at all.

This is not the same as sometimes being usually able to speak, but experiencing verbal loss.

Now don’t get me wrong, if you’ve been using nonverbal to describe yourself for a long time, only to realize that word wasn’t for you, it can be a big change. Even I was quite resistant at first to change my use of language.

But this is important. Nonspeaking people are so often left out of conversations, and so rarely given chances to share their opinions. But the majority of the nonspeaking community has made it clear that this is not a word for people like me, and it’s important to listen to them.

If you’re struggling to find a correct term for temporary loss of speech, here are some alternatives ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Verbal loss

Verbal shutdown

Speaking break

(Episodic) Speech loss

Communication shutdown

Mom: my son can’t talk let me get this app so he can

Son: *talks*

Mom: no not like that

Like you don’t put duct tape on your kids mouth if they keep saying “Shut up,” you teach them not to use it. It is the SAME THING.

ALT TEXT FOR SCREEN READERS:

Heading: ratings and reviews

Title: inappropriate language

One star

December 28

Review: Our son is three and nonverbal, we downloaded this app to use as iPad as an AAC device. At first glance, it’s very user-friendly and our son picked up the layout quickly and was able to use this as a form of communication. The reason I would give it one star and quite frankly no stars if that was an option is because there’s no way to hide inappropriate language like “shut up“, which should not be accessible to a three year-old on top of other words that you cannot remove. When I reached out to support their response was they don’t feel like we should limit words to children, which I agree with but having my three-year-old constantly hit the shut up button during school is not appropriate and there’s no way to remove it so don’t waste your money just spend the money on a different app that lets you have access to editing words to make sure that your children don’t get in trouble because while language is extremely important and I don’t wanna limit, I also don’t want to have my child constantly scolded because an app thinks it’s OK for a three-year-old to use the word shut up. We will not be renewing our monthly subscription and will look for a more accessible app that supports positive language reinforcement.

Developer response:

January 6

Lavender Bear with Touch chat symbol based AAC device , just like Pixies !

it can be

[symbol based AAC] you can add all different symbols drawn cutely n colorfully by small emoji artist or even yourself, replaced every single symbol w them

you not have to. don’t feel pressured do it if you not have energy or it not help you or it make it harder for you use AAC

mine certainly isn’t.

can keep all default symbols it come with. default font. color combo that not aesthetic pretty but help you see better. undecorated. functional first.

your AAC can be “ugly” if it help you

My AAC plush!!!

Yes/no

Maybe/help

Hungry/thirsty

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.