We might not think about how often we use shortcuts for everyday conversations. If you use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device like I do, you might streamline what you want to say. For non-AAC users, it is like texting. You know what you want to say, but you know there is only a few seconds and then the other person has to go or might start finishing what you want to say for you. So, you do what you can to get what you want to say, said as quickly as possible. For me, that means using the fewest number of keystrokes, because keystrokes for me suck up a lot of time and energy.
An example would be “I’m going 2 take pins & casts out mon.” This is true that I am getting my casts off and taking my pins out tomorrow (YAY!).
It is easier to use shortcuts and takes less time even though it’s not a grammatically correct sentence. When I use my Accent 1400 communication device, I use pre-programmed pages for quick common words and then switch to the keyboard spelling page where I can start typing a word and hope that it pops up in the word prediction choices so I don’t have to select every letter in the word. When those choices don’t pop up though, I use shortcuts.
I think sometimes it gets confusing when using a communication device or learning to use a device to know when it’s okay to use shortcuts and when you have to try to type out complete proper sentences. If you’re writing a paper or presentation, you may need to be more formal. For everyday conversations, though, I need to share my ideas as fast as possible, because I find that people aren’t always very patient. So, then I use shortcuts.
My top tips for talking to someone who uses AAC
My top tips for speaking to someone like me who uses a communication device?
- Wait for me to type. Don’t keep talking while I’m focusing on typing what I’m saying next, because I can’t listen to you and type at the same time.
- Talk to me and not my helper. This happens. People ask my parents or helpers a question about me and I’m sitting right there!
- Don’t NOT talk to me because you’re nervous about talking to someone with a disability who uses a communication device. I want to connect, share ideas, and talk with you. I apologize for the double negative!
YouTube Playlist of me doing stuff
I put some videos of me on my YouTube playlist so you can get a feel for why my Cerebral Palsy and uncontrolled movement make shortcuts necessary.
