I encourage you to invest in AAC!

Hi, my name is Leslie Kate Thornton. I'm twenty-nine years old. I'm from Saint Mary's, Georgia, and I'm here today to speak to you about AAC, its purpose, and how it impacts my everyday life. AAC has been a game-changer in my daily life. It has allowed me to communicate my thoughts, needs, and emotions with others, fostering independence and inclusion in personal and professional settings.

 I am passionate about people with disabilities having real lives, relationships, and making real decisions. I work to advocate for all people’s human and civil rights and equality for people with disabilities, especially in employment. I believe that all people have the right to quality of life, and everyone can make life decisions big and small. It’s not so much an equality issue but an equity issue. Equity is just and fair inclusion. An equitable society is one in which all can participate and prosper. The goal of equity must be to create conditions that allow all people to reach their full potential. Equity should be a standard for all lives. No human being has more worth than another. We all should have the right to our life. Why is it that when a nondisabled person makes a mistake, they’re human? But when a person with a disability makes a mistake, they’re considered unfit. There is a huge double standard. People with disabilities are dehumanized, but when declared human, we are expected to be supernatural.

We all make decisions about our lives every day. When you have decisions to make, you talk with those you trust to support you in that process. Others don’t make the decision for you; they support you in making up your own mind. This is a very natural human process. How many times have you asked for feedback on a decision in your life? We talk with others to help us make daily decisions: teachers, parents, sisters, brothers, friends, officials, professionals, neighbors, and many more.

I make all the decisions for my life – both large and small. Decisions that have little impact, like what I want to eat for lunch, and more significant, life-changing decisions, like where I want to live, travel, and work. My decisions have led me to my current lifestyle. I have the freedom to choose in every aspect of my life. I can’t imagine what it is like for someone under Guardianship to have all their decisions made by another. I firmly believe that everyone has value and human rights to create conditions that allow all to reach their full potential.

People in society have ignored me and written me off throughout my life. These include doctors, peers, teachers, and people in general. I have been undermined and treated as if I have nothing to contribute, and my future has been predetermined by others who have seen me as less. I have learned to take charge of who gets a say in my life. This hasn’t stopped ignorant thoughts or comments, but I tell them I’m in order. One of the most significant barriers is education. Professionals think they have all the education they need to know I’m incapable. I have realized that these professionals are trained to deal with the non-disabled, and customization and equity are such foreign concepts that it’s incomprehensible. 

As a child, I was accused of AAC abandonment. I "abandoned” AAC because my vocabulary was so elaborate that it didn't give me enough flexibility and speed to express myself effectively. I found it frustrating to rely on pre-programmed phrases and limited options when I wanted to convey my thoughts and emotions. Additionally, using AAC devices often made me feel disconnected from the conversation, as it was difficult for others to understand my true intentions and feelings. Therefore, advancements in voice technologies that can accurately capture the intricacies of human speech will significantly benefit individuals like me, allowing us to communicate more naturally and authentically. The speech device they assigned me was limiting and weighed more than myself. Not only did it hinder my mobility, but it also added to the physical strain I already experienced. The development of lighter and more portable speech devices has enhanced my communication ability and improved my overall quality of life by reducing the burden on my physical well-being.

AAC effectively empowers individuals to communicate their thoughts, needs, and emotions. I use text-to-speech. Text-to-speech is a type of AAC that converts written text into spoken words, allowing individuals to communicate verbally even if they cannot produce speech themselves. All AAC needs improvement to be accessible and accurate for everyone. AAC technology improvements can enhance accessibility and accuracy for individuals. Learningple, advancements in natural language processing and machine learning algorithms can help improve the accuracy of text-to-speech systems, making them more reliable in conveying the intended message. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure that AAC devices and tools are easily customizable and adaptable to meet each individual user's specific needs and preferences.

I have spent the last five years working professionally as a Social Media Content Developer. It wasn’t until 2018 that someone recognized my talent and passion. That person was the founder of Progressive Abilities Support Services, which focuses on building a community dedicated to bringing action to the ideals of equality and equity in our society. They worked with me to create a platform where I could network and interact with others fighting the same battle. This organization, which I'm proud to be a part of, gave me the opportunity to contribute to change, knowing that my struggle was part of something bigger. AAC has greatly influenced my career within Progressive Abilities Support Services. It has provided me with the necessary tools and resources to communicate effectively. I can collaborate with colleagues effectively, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with them. This has not only enhanced my professional growth but also positively impacted the overall success of our team and the services we provide. Through AAC, I have gained confidence in my abilities and am continuously inspired to contribute further. AAC has empowered me to connect with a broader audience, amplifying my voice and furthering the impact of our collective efforts, and has allowed me to have a successful career within and outside of PASS. I have expanded my career and advocacy work with other organizations. AAC has highlighted my valuable skills and experiences that have opened doors for me in various fields. This has enriched my professional journey and enabled me to impact the causes I am passionate about. AAC has also allowed me to network and connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for advocacy. Overall, AAC has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth and enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the community. 

A voice that better represents my voice would be beneficial and more effective because the robot voice is so monotone that listeners get lost in this robocall trance and may struggle to fully understand or engage with the message being conveyed. Additionally, a more personalized and expressive voice can help express emotions and intentions, making communication more authentic and meaningful. Therefore, investing in developing advanced voice technologies that can accurately replicate human speech patterns and intonations is crucial for improving the overall communication experience for individuals using AAC devices.

Denying people access to AAC in public and government facilities violates the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments. AAC is crucial in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can exercise their right to freedom of speech. By denying access to AAC, not only are their First Amendment rights infringed upon, but their Fourth Amendment rights as well, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. Furthermore, the denial of AAC can also be seen as violating the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law for all individuals.

I want to understand why an IQ test is required to qualify for AAC. The requirement of an IQ test for eligibility for AAC raises concerns about potential discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It creates barriers and hinders their ability to exercise their right to freedom of speech, which should be accessible to all individuals regardless of their cognitive skills. This requirement contradicts the principles of inclusivity and equal protection

under the law guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.

Denying individuals with disabilities the opportunity to access AAC based on an IQ test also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and stigmatization, further marginalizing this vulnerable population. Recognizing that a standardized test can only partially measure intelligence is essential, as it fails to capture individuals' diverse abilities and potential. Emphasizing inclusivity and providing alternative means of communication can foster a more equitable society that values th

e rights and dignity of all individuals.

Communication is a fundamental human right. It is crucial to acknowledge that individuals with disabilities have the right to express themselves and be understood, regardless of their communication abilities. By promoting accessible and inclusive communication methods, we can empower individuals with AAC needs to participate fully in society and have their voices heard. This enhances their quality of life and promotes a more inclusive and understanding society.