I'm out of my mind, I'm back in middle school!

Y'all, I must be out of my mind! I went back to a middle school to talk to students about the movie Out of My Mind. I needed the break from all the serious advocacy work I've been doing. The students were engaged and had so many insightful questions about the film and my advocacy. This opportunity reminded me of the impact storytelling can have on young minds. It was a refreshing change of pace from my usual routine. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling as a tool for education and empowerment. It was a rewarding reminder of the importance of engaging with youth meaningfully. Although this is not the exact AAC script I used, given the short time allotted, I was able to convey my message effectively and spark meaningful conversations. Overall, it was a positive and enriching experience that left a lasting impression on both the students and myself. This piece is an elaborate version of the script I used. I hope you enjoy this piece as much as I do.

AAC has been a life-altering unicorn in my daily routine, as annoyingly as it seems, sprinkling magic communication glitter everywhere. It has allowed me to communicate my thoughts, needs, and emotions with others, fostering independence and inclusion in personal and professional settings. I believe that all people have the right to a quality of life so amazing that even unicorns would be jealous.

It’s not so much an equality issue but an equity issue. 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, it's like expecting a cat to bark and a dog to purr. A total mix-up of expectations!

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. 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.

My overall life goal is to let people know they are wonderfully made, loved, and have a purpose. All lives matter! I want to ensure everyone is given the same chance and opportunity to live their best life, regardless of physical or mental abilities. I work to advocate for people’s civil rights, and equality, especially for equity pertaining to people with disabilities. When I began my self-discovery career in social media, I was amazed that people were fighting the same issues I’d been fighting for myself all my life. Surprisingly, I wasn’t alone in this fight for equality and equity.

In the movie Out of My Mind, a girl with cerebral palsy deals with a lack of resources and understanding. Imagine on top of normal middle school horrors like when your locker jams, your shoelaces untie, and your crush catches you in a clumsy moment; you still have to prove you're worthy and valuable enough to be there. Through her perseverance, she inspires those around her to see beyond her disability and recognize her true potential. I admire her for her willingness to take on able-bodied sixth graders and face the terrifying world of middle school. Unlike me, who tried mainstream middle school and eventually threw in the towel. Because let's be real, no offense, y’all are absolutely terrifying!

Although, my story is very similar. With a lot of advocating for myself, by choice, I got thrown into the lion's den of mainstream high school with little experience with mainstream education. I quickly realized that I had to adapt and learn how to navigate the social dynamics and academic challenges of a traditional school environment. It felt like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops, but hey, I welcomed the chance to blossom and flourish in this alien territory. Even when I found myself struggling to keep up and feeling isolated, like Melanie in the movie, I refused to let my circumstances define me. Armed with the determination of a stubborn mule and a fan club cheering me on, I conquered hurdles and showed the world I was the one at the wheel. Finally, I struck friendship gold, collecting buddies like rare Pokémon cards. I was the first person with a profound disability to earn a mainstream high school diploma in my county. It was a challenging journey, but one that ultimately shaped me into the resilient and determined individual I am today. I am proud of my accomplishments and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way because of my perseverance.

In the beginning of the movie, Melanie tells us a list of things she can't do. One of those things is putting on mascara without poking her eye out, which highlights her vulnerability and imperfections. This moment serves as a reminder that even the strongest individuals have their own struggles and limitations, making Melanie a relatable and endearing character to the audience. I was pushing twenty-nine when I finally mastered the art of sticky mascara application, proving that any challenge can be conquered with the right tools and mindset. This realization helped me embrace my imperfections and vulnerabilities, just like Melanie in the movie.

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. 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.

As a child, I was accused of AAC abandonment. I "abandoned” AAC buttons like Melanie uses because my vocabulary was so elaborate that it didn't give me enough flexibility and speed to express myself effectively. I found it as frustrating as trying to have a meaningful conversation with a Magic 8-Ball, relying on its limited responses for all my deep 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. 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. Moreover, a super personalized and overly expressive voice can help express emotions and intentions in a way that's just ridiculously authentic and meaningful, like, totally over the top. You know, over the top like me. Having a voice that mirrors my own would make interactions more genuine and engaging. It would also allow for a more seamless and natural communication experience, enhancing overall effectiveness and connection with others.

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 representation. 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.

AAC has given me the superpower to reach a wider audience, crank up the volume on my voice, and making an impact feel like winning the lottery! I have advanced my career and advocacy work with various organizations. AAC has highlighted my valuable communication skills, leadership experience, and technical expertise, opening doors for me in various fields. This enrichment has furthered my professional journey and empowered me to make a meaningful difference in causes I am passionate about.

In conclusion, AAC has played a vital role in shaping my personal growth and empowering me to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

I want to end this piece with something catchy to leave a lasting impression on the readers. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey with AAC. Advocacy is serious business, but a little humor never hurts! When advocating for change, a smile can go a long way in breaking down barriers and building bridges. So, let's keep fighting for what we believe in, with a smile on our faces and a good joke up our sleeves!