I Graduated, Now What?

with complex communication needs using AAC can create fulfilling lives beyond school. Sidney has embraced a range of opportunities that foster personal growth, community engagement, and social interaction. This article highlights Sidney’s experiences and strategies, demonstrating how meaningful participation and connection remain possible after graduation. SIDNEY’S JOURNEY: BUILDING A MEANINGFUL LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL Sidney Daswick is a passionate AAC user whose journey highlights resilience, creativity, and leadership. Currently attending day programs in Scottsdale and Flagstaff, Arizona, Sidney enjoys cooking, traveling, and teaching. Her work as a tutor, mentor, and advocate for the AAC community has inspired others and shows how non-traditional paths can lead to a rich, fulfilling life. Sidney’s contributions include co-hosting Traveling Talker Time AAC, leading an AAC Book Club, facilitating activities during Out and About, mentoring at a local school district, and hosting virtual events like a Saturday Coffee Hour. These activities not only enrich her life but also create opportunities for others to connect and grow. Sidney’s story exemplifies how identifying and nurturing personal passions can lead to a meaningful and impactful life, even when the traditional education-to-career journey isn’t the right fit. Sidney actively contributes to the AAC community through initiatives such as: • Co-hosting Traveling Talker Time AAC • Leading an AAC Book Club

celebrating milestones, Kim ensures that Sidney has the practical and emotional backing needed to continue developing. This collaboration between mother and daughter underscores the importance of family support in the lives of AAC users, ensuring they have the foundation to thrive. MARY ANNE'S ROLE IN SIDNEY’S JOURNEY Mary Anne, an Assistive Technology Analyst at NAU’s Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence (ATEI) Program and a CF-SLP at Therapy One, has played a crucial role in Sidney’s post-graduation growth. Since 2007, she has supported individuals with complex communication needs, using her experience to provide Sidney with both technical and practical support. As a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), she ensures Sidney has the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Beyond her direct support, Mary Anne leads an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) user group in Central Valley, AZ, co-leads a virtual AAC group, and manages the Traveling Talker Time social media platform. Through these initiatives, she has fostered a strong AAC community built on connection, mentorship, and shared learning. Additionally, she organizes the AAC Book Club and summer Coffee Hour, creating spaces for AAC users to engage, learn, and build social connections. Together, Mary Anne and Kim form an essential part of Sidney’s support system. Their combined expertise and dedication empower Sidney, demonstrating how a strong support network can drive meaningful personal and community impact. UNDERSTANDING SIDNEY’S COMMUNICATION GROWTH THROUGH THE DAGG-3 FRAMEWORK The DAGG-3 framework is a valuable tool for assessing and supporting AAC users. It identifies different skill levels, helping to tailor support based on where an individual falls within the framework. By understanding these levels, caregivers, educators, and therapists can provide targeted interventions and opportunities that foster growth, independence, and effective communication for AAC users. Sidney’s development aligns with the following skill levels: TRANSITIONAL INDEPENDENT • Social Skills: Communicating effectively and in socially appropriate ways across different settings. • Operational Skills: Ability to maintain, navigate, and operate the AAC system using the chosen access method with minimal support. • Strategic Skills: Utilizing strategies to overcome or minimize the functional limitations of AAC to ensure effective participation.

• Facilitating Out and About activities • Mentoring at a local school district • Hosting virtual events like Saturday Coffee Hour

These activities not only support her own growth but also provide others with opportunities for learning and connection. Her journey highlights how pursuing personal passions can lead to a life of impact, meaning, fulfillment and FUN! THE ROLE OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS KIM’S ROLE AS SIDNEY’S SUPPORT SYSTEM Kim, Sidney’s mother, has been a steadfast advocate for her daughter’s success since the beginning of their AAC journey. Kim’s involvement dates back to when Sidney was just three years old, and she has been a dedicated partner in Sidney’s growth ever since. Kim actively seeks out opportunities for Sidney to learn, grow, and engage with the AAC community, providing both logistical and emotional support. Kim’s role extends beyond just organizing and facilitating; she is Sidney’s biggest cheerleader. Whether helping Sidney prepare for tutoring sessions, navigating new opportunities, or

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