Augmentative and Alternative Communication is an aspect in my life that has made me what I am now, even though I can speak now but being an AAC user for a significant period of my life has gave me the realization of the importance of communication. I come from a country where most of the population earn their living from farming but believe in re-incarnation. Now, if anyone asks me, in which part of the world I like to be born, in subsequent lives, my automatic and instinctive answer will be India
Our country has a diverse cultural heritage. And people with disabilities are in the middle of a movement which would help them to lead a life with dignity. From the time immemorial, the word ‘respect’, is being used to describe a behavioral function, which has not changed. The respect, I am talking about can be for anyone, for any individual or any animal as well. But to me this word means ‘AAC’. During the time, when I could not communicate with anyone owing to the fact that I was partially verbal or non-verbal, this method gave me the power to communicate. But first of all allow me to acquaint you with a funny story, when AAC was introduced to me.
During my childhood days, as I gradually deteriorated, I lost my articulation or the power of speech. My teachers thought that I must have a means by which I would be able to communicate. When for the first time the communication board was brought in front of me, the anger and outright rejection was amazing, the overwhelming thought of communication empowerment because had I used it from then, I think it could have helped me to save some energy, which was exhausted unnecessarily. I cried the whole night because I realized ‘improperly’, that I would never be able to communicate with someone or anyone, IN A PROPER WAY
The change in my life came with a very painful story, which can be laughed upon at this point of time. One day, during my school days, one of my friends who could walk pushed my wheelchair into the computer room for a lesson. While I was being wheeled by my friend, I could feel an ant moving around my lower back. As I entered the room, my whole body went into an innocuous spasm, as the ant decided to sting. One of the mentors of my life was the first computer teacher (Swati di) with whom I have worked with. Seeing me in that spasm, she asked the obvious question but how the hell would I had replied when I didn’t have any means! Perhaps the ant knew the fact that biting at a place which is not visible to others, would give it the pleasure to satisfy its hanger for the lifetime. Then innovation started, my computer teacher went on asking, - (YES, NO) questions. With the limited vocalization I had during that time, I was also trying to communicate. After twenty-five minutes, agonizing stinging, Swati di could understand the problem and removed the ant, which had a very comfortable twenty-six minutes previously.
I would like to thank this ant that made me realize, the importance of having a means of a communication aid. After that no insect especially ‘ants’ could circum me by stinging.
Then after that experience, I started to use the communication system effectively and assure you, it opened a new horizon for me. I could ask question to the people who had no idea about me, to surprise them. I even intervene during any family interaction to share my views. This gave me a power, which and control over a few thing that I never had. Hence on I learnt to take some responsibilities which were entrusted on me and enjoyed to fulfill those. So according to me, AAC is a means by which people like me could get the empowerment to let others know, about how they feel on many issues.
At this point of time, in my life, when I speak and communicate with all of you, sometimes I have take the help of AAC and technology to speak in conferences because when I speak for a significant time, my vocal organs cannot support my needs. Then, I use my computer for a while and in that case I would like to explain why it happens.
When I am interacting, I am getting 3, 5, 10, seconds break. While the other person makes his or point and I listen, unknowingly, I grasp some air which helps me to extend the conversation. This is not the case when I am speaking in any conference, in front of an audience and these are the times when I have to speak for 10, 15, 30 minutes at a stretch. So, I am still an AAC user, aren’t I?
Now, I would like to come to a controversial point. You may say, the thing that I am raising is a bit childish. At this point of time in my life, when I can speak, I see many people are afraid to communicate. Many people think that if they put a view, what would be the repercussion. This kind of thinking really amazes me because being an AAC user, I realize and I am sure many of my friends would agree with me, which is if one thinks about the feeling and not communicate, how do they expect that others would understand the feelings they have! I don’t know if there are that many mind readers around! If you ask me, I haven’t seen any in my lifetime.
If you: like some one, adore some one, respect some one, some times it is a very good idea to let that person know. If one disagrees with a point, it is always better to discuss about it and clear the misunderstanding. If communication is enhanced, between people and communities, according to me our planet could be a great place to live. Anyway, I am not stating that I do not like the planet the way it stand now, but just emphasizing on the point that it could have been better. I have observed this as an AAC user, many activities and negotiations which goes on around the world between various countries, could have been formulated in a better way.
In modern times, technology is very important in every spheres of life. With the help of this phenomenon, world has come to home for the people and taking this in into account I find a thought tickling my mind very often. This concern relates to those countries where basic human rights are being over-looked by the authorities for their own interests. Recently, the political turbulence in Northern Africa and Arab world has put a question in my mind. And I wish to know and understand the condition of the people with disabilities in these countries where the basic human rights are being defined.
In international media, we find many news about Afghanistan and Iraq
To conclude with I personally would like to ask and request the leaders of the world to look into the social sector and especially the problems of disabled people.
It matters not in which country we are in, what matters is that we are there and we also need the same means that is to lead a life of dignity and respect for all those brothers, sisters and friends who are there in those countries. Though pain is friend of ours but conquering it with the strength of mind and spreading the message of love to the various corners of the world is absolutely necessary. The AAC users are an integral part of the world population and I believe that we have to make sure to the authorities to recognize this unique population and help their cause.
God has send each and everyone of us by assigning a particular work or duty to be accomplish but the common thing that has to be spread in today’s world, is the ‘message of love’.
The AAC users must take the issue of our brothers and sister to the authorities so that we could reach to them and provide them the support.
Thank you.
