Communication

I felt frustrated again today by the expectation to add video and pictures to my blog. Having no experience with blogging left me feeling frustrated, different, and left out when the others moved on without me. As I was sitting there, completely able to scream "Wait for me!" but choosing not to, I reflected on how difficult it must be for students who do not have the same ability to communicate that I have. That was an eye opening moment for me and one which fit very nicely into the content of the day's presentations.

Today's class discussions were about communication and providing resources to students who need to have a voice but cannot physically speak. I was thinking as we were problem solving our scenario, that it was fun to assume the role of a non-verbal person. However, I quickly realized that people who live that reality would call it anything but fun! Frustrating, stressful, dehumanizing, and a multitude of other descriptive words that I cannot even imagine from my privileged position would be more realistic.

In my privileged world I can chose how I communicate as well as choose who I communicate with. I am not limited in my means of communicating, nor am I limited to interacting with a few others who have been trained to interact with me. If I do not have the attention of the listener, I can simply choose someone else to engage with. I can write, I can read, I can speak, I can see, I can express my thoughts and feelings, I can use body language and emotion; I am capable of communicating in a vast variety of ways. I am privileged but I am not superior! My capabilities are just greater.

Watching the video of the young man playing a complicated interactive video game through the minimal ability of "tip of the thumb" movement helped me to recognize the potential of communication for each and every person regardless of the level of their ability or the range of their mobility. In this technologically rich and inventive society we can provide tools to give many people voices who otherwise would not have them. The range of assistive technology available to allow everyone a voice is incredible. I am awed by the ingenuity of both the inventors and the users.

I have posted a video, 1 Voice which demonstrates the need of all non-verbal people to have a voice. The form that voice comes in can be very different for each individual. It is wonderful to see that through AAC more and more people are fulfilling their fundamental need to communicate with others and that those who can communicate effectively are willing to advocate for those that cannot.