I Graduated, Now What?

leadership roles to encourage greater collaboration. Long- term AAC users, including Sidney, expressed a strong desire to be more involved in leading, which led to a shift toward a more collective approach. The group has worked to create a framework that allows for shared leadership, where decision- making is collaborative, and communication is streamlined with the use of scripts and forms. Backup plans have also been put in place to ensure the group remains active and continues to function smoothly during periods of high demand. This approach allows for ongoing development in leadership opportunities, ensuring Sidney and other device users have the chance to contribute meaningfully and that the group can thrive despite any challenges that arise. 2. Sidney’s Posse , her support network, consists of individuals who care deeply for her, offering ongoing support for both Sidney and her caregivers. Life presents constant challenges, which makes developing a long-term, informal support system essential. Sidney’s close-knit group of friends and family are committed to staying connected and offering mutual support through regular gatherings and shared experiences. Strategies are being developed to nurture and sustain these connections, fostering open communication and engagement among members. The support network remains fluid and adaptable, adjusting as Sidney’s needs evolve over time. Key features of this network include its dynamic, ever-evolving nature, a group of individuals dedicated to Sidney’s well-being, regular opportunities for social interaction and mutual support, and the flexibility to respond to life’s changing circumstances while maintaining strong bonds. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sidney’s experiences with the Out and About group and Sidney’s Posse highlight the critical role that community plays in the lives of individuals with complex communication needs. These support networks not only provide ongoing opportunities for social interaction and engagement but also ensure long-term well-being by fostering connections that can adapt to changing needs over time. The Out and About group demonstrates the power of shared leadership and inclusive activities, offering a model for how groups can evolve and sustain themselves by encouraging collaboration and mutual support. Similarly, Sidney’s Posse shows the importance of a close-knit, informal network that remains fluid and responsive, offering support for both the individual and their caregivers. Related Reading: "The Loneliness Experiences of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy who use Alternative and Augmentative Communication" (Cooper, Balandin, & Trembath, 2009). This research examines the loneliness experiences of young adults with cerebral palsy who use AAC, emphasizing the critical role of community support and shared leadership. It reinforces the importance of initiatives like Out and About and Sidney’s

Posse in fostering meaningful connections and reducing isolation. BUILDING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: EXPANDING ENGAGEMENT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA, COFFEE HOUR, AND SPEECH THERAPY GROUPS Sidney has tended to favor more passive forms of entertainment, such as watching her favorite cooking shows, which has limited her engagement outside of in-person interactions, making it more challenging for her to maintain relationships beyond school. To help Sidney overcome this, several focused strategies have been developed with clear goals: to encourage Sidney to engage with social media in ways that align with her personal interests, to create opportunities for her to express herself and connect with others through interactive content, and to help her strengthen meaningful relationships with friends and peers. These strategies include participating in social media for the Question of the Day, joining Coffee Hour for casual conversations, and attending Speech Therapy groups to practice conversational skills and engage in communication within a group setting. Together, these efforts provide a relaxed, pressure-free environment that fosters dynamic interactions, allowing Sidney to comfortably engage with others in both virtual and in-person settings. “I like mocha frap. I like coffee hour. Talk with friends from everywhere. I tell fun facts or jokes. I ask about every friend day. I laugh have fun silly. Like being home and mocha frap and friends.” - Sidney Daswick 1. Question of the Day encourages Sidney to engage with social media in a way that feels enjoyable and relevant to her interests. Sidney enjoys asking others about their day, making this a great opportunity to practice social skills and keep in touch with others. She uses a variety of strategies, including crafting her own questions, searching the web for new ideas, and utilizing her Alexa Page. These methods allow her to broaden her questions, explore different topics, and think about responses to new questions. The flexibility of choosing from random questions on her Alexa Page adds variety, creating a dynamic and enjoyable experience. This setup enables Sidney to work at her own pace in a comfortable, stress-free environment. The strengths of this approach include personalized engagement, which increases Sidney's investment in the conversation, and a user-friendly format that makes participation smooth and easy. Through this process, Sidney practices crafting questions, navigating her AAC tools, and connecting with others at her leisure. 2. Coffee Hour builds lasting social connections and friendships, even across distances, by offering Sidney a simple and accessible way to engage with others. While Sidney connects with many people, staying in touch can be challenging since

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