A Voice Can Be . . .

There’s a lot happening in October, and both Mental Health and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness are especially important for us to highlight this month.

At the heart of what we do, our hope is always to recognise and support the many people who make up our community.

We care deeply about the well-being of the families we work alongside, as well as our own family members, friends, and neighbours.

As we begin our 𝘙𝘶𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮 this month, we want to shout it from the rooftops...

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝘆, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀!

This October, and ongoing, we invite our community to expand their understanding of “voice” and the various forms it may take:

• Natural speech (spoken words, even if limited or unclear)

• Gestures (pointing, waving, thumbs up, body language)

• Facial expressions (smiling, frowning, eye-rolling to communicate feelings)

• Sign language (Auslan, Key Word Sign, etc.)

• Low-tech AAC

  • Communication boards/books with symbols, words, or letters

  • Writing or drawing on paper/whiteboard

• High-tech AAC

  • Speech-generating devices (dedicated devices or apps on tablets)

  • Text-to-speech technology

• Eye gaze systems (using eyes to select symbols or letters on a screen/board)

• Switch access (buttons, head switches, or adaptive equipment to control a device)

• Tangible symbols/objects (e.g., handing over a spoon to mean “eat”)

• Typing (on a keyboard, phone, or communication app)

• Combination of modes (multi-modal communication: mixing gestures, speech, device, and signs depending on the situation)

A “voice” in AAC refers to anything that enables a person to express themselves, be understood, and connect with others. Let’s endeavour to be receptive to all the voices in our communities, ensuring we live our best lives in a space of connection, communication, and joy with others.