I Graduated, Now What?

Related Reading: "Learning to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Is There a Mentoring Role for Adults Experienced in Using AAC?" (Ballin, Balandin, Togher, & Stancliffe, 2009). This research highlights how adults who use AAC express a desire for more opportunities to engage in meaningful work, whether paid or voluntary. Mentoring individuals learning to use AAC offers experienced users a chance to volunteer and positively impact their community. It underscores the importance of mentorship roles, emphasizing how initiatives like Sidney's can bridge the gap between personal growth and community contribution. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: BUILDING CONNECTIONS AND LEADERSHIP AMONG AAC USERS For many adults who use AAC, community engagement opportunities can be scarce, particularly when compared to the social activities found in high school settings. Recognizing this gap, a community-driven effort was created with the goals of increasing AAC awareness, utilizing existing resources, and creating new opportunities for connection. This effort has evolved through collaborative feedback from AAC users and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), identifying the need for shared leadership roles, especially for long-time users who have been part of the AAC community since childhood. The activities are evaluated and refined annually, with the aim of ensuring inclusivity and flexible participation, allowing members to engage as much or as little as they wish. This effort represents the power of community in fostering support, growth, and connection for AAC users. “I love out and about. I have been going since I was small. We go to bowling, grocery stores, parks, museums, bookstores and ice cream shops. I like chocolate ice cream. Every year we go caroling December at mall. Walk to store and sing. My favorite. It is very fun. Awesome. I talk to people. I order food. I help do activity. Friends come and talk with me. We did yoga. I love yoga. It fun. We do in chair. Fun way to get out.” - Sidney Daswick 1. Out and About group, founded 28 years ago by Dr. Caroline Musselwhite and Deanna Wagner, M.S., CCC-SLP, has become a vital community for individuals who use AAC, along with their families, friends, therapists, and mentors. This inclusive group welcomes people of all ages who use any communication device or system, gathering monthly for activities like visiting local restaurants, coffee shops, marketplaces, and hiking spots, with virtual meetings also available. As the group evolved, it became clear that sharing leadership was essential, particularly as long-time members grew from children into adults. To ensure the group remained dynamic and supportive, they began distributing

experiences for individuals with communication challenges, especially during a time when traditional in-person interactions were limited. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted face-to-face activities, the idea for the Zoom Cast emerged to ensure continuity in learning and social connection for Sidney and others. Sidney collaborated with a speech therapist, who had long been involved in her educational journey, to plan weekly sessions and develop content. Monthly Zoom Cast events were hosted, integrated with Sidney’s day program, and allowed for remote participation. The sessions were designed to be inclusive, featuring fun games and icebreakers to foster engagement for AAC users at all levels. Although the Zoom Cast is no longer an ongoing initiative, its creation was a valuable learning experience. It highlighted how things may come and go, and through these experiences, we learn what works for us and what doesn’t, ultimately shaping the path forward. 4. Book Club was created to enhance literacy and communication skills among AAC users, while also addressing Mary Anne’s need for additional graduate program hours. The program took a structured approach, centering around a book club that incorporated the established PRC-Literacy Planners, which provide curated books and monthly activities specifically designed for AAC users. To facilitate both in- person and virtual participation, existing PDF materials were transformed into interactive Google Slides. The Book Club’s key features included using these established literacy tools to streamline the process, engaging AAC users in meaningful and interactive literacy activities, and utilizing Google Slides to foster dynamic collaboration and continuous support. This event continues to take place on a monthly basis, providing ongoing opportunities for literacy development and community engagement KEY TAKEAWAYS These programs and experiences represent a journey of growth, adaptation, and connection for Sidney, highlighting her commitment to not only developing her own skills but also empowering others in the AAC community. Each initiative—whether it’s tutoring, Book Club, or virtual learning opportunities—has evolved to fit the changing needs and availability of both Sidney and her support team. The continuous learning and adjustment of these programs reflect the ongoing process of discovery and understanding what works best for each individual. While some programs may no longer be active or have undergone changes, the underlying goal remains the same: to create meaningful opportunities for communication, community, and growth. Sidney’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, support, and the belief that learning doesn’t end after school—it simply evolves.

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