Welcome to Everyone Communicates!

As our name indicates, we believe that everyone communicates, in one way or another. We also believe that communication is a basic need in life. When an individual does not have fluent, natural speech, it is urgent that other methods of communication, often called augmentative or alternative communication (AAC), be explored exhaustively.
Being unable to speak does not mean that an individual does not understand, cannot learn to communicate, or cannot think and reason. It only means that the person has a barrier to communication. With access to a variety of methods, and with creative, attentive, and dedicated people providing support, people with communication impairments caused by a wide range of disabilities can work to develop effective communication.

Freedom to Communicate

Freedom to Communicate
Stick figures, one with communication device and speech bubble; "Freedom to Communicate = Access to conversation anywhere, anytime, about anything with anybody through technology and personalized supports if needed.

Dedication

DEDICATION: This site is dedicated to people who are still waiting for a means to communicate more effectively. We hope this site helps to bring access to communication to more people so that someday soon everyone will have the opportunity to communicate effectively, and no one will have to spend days or years or a lifetime in silence.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Song: It's a Long Way to Conversation (AAC and Literacy Advocacy)

It’s a Long Way to Conversation:  AAC and Literacy Advocacy Song (to the tune of chorus only of "It’s a Long Way to Tipperary")


It’s a long way to conversation.
It’s a long way to go.
Literacy will help you.
You will need mentors also.
Role models, too, can show you
Endless possibilities.
It’s a long, long way to conversation,
But my heart's right there.

Come and let me tell you more now.
I talk with technology.
People call it A-A-C.
It provides a voice for me.
You wonder how it works now.
Let me show you then you’ll see.
It was a long, long way to conversation,
But it was waiting for me.


A-A-C now what IS that?
Ways to choose, discuss and chat.
If it is hard to speak then,
Alternatives may help with that.
Pointing, signing and typing,
Eye-gaze or switch to press.
It’s a long long way to conversation,
But you’ll get there yet.

Who really needs A-A-C?
Many people you will see.
Anyone who cannot find
How to speak what’s on their mind.
Never doubt that A-A-C
Sets thoughts and feelings free.
It’s a long, long way to conversation,
But it’s a good place to be!

There’s one more thing that you must know now.
Hear us well before we go.
Everyone communicates, yes,
Listen and facilitate.
Silence won’t have to rule now
People just need A-A-C.
It’s a long, long way to conversation,
But that’s where we’ll be.

So to set free our conversation,
Teach us literacy.
Help us connect with mentors,
‘Cause they help both you and me.
Role models, too, can show us
Endless possibilities.
It’s a long, long way to conversation,
But it’s a great place to be.
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