by Wes Burson, PRC-Saltillo Ambassador
The start of a new year always feels like a fresh opportunity to improve and grow. For me, that means finding new ways to make my Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) setup work better for me. This isn’t about getting a new device—it’s about refining how I use what I already have to communicate more effectively, connect more deeply, and live more independently.
One exciting area I’m focusing on this year is improving how I use AAC tools to stay active on platforms like Discord, where I connect with friends, communities, and fellow enthusiasts. Here’s my plan to make 2025 a year of smoother, smarter communication:
- Personalizing My Vocabulary
This year, I’m focusing on making my AAC system feel more like me. It’s important that my vocabulary reflects my personality, interests, and the conversations I have most often.
For Discord, which is a free communicaiton app that allows users to chat with friends, communicated, and develops using voice, video and text. So when I'm using Discord that means:
- Adding quick responses for common interactions, like greetings, reactions, and humor to match the vibe of my favorite servers.
- Creating custom phrases for the topics I discuss frequently, whether it’s gaming, hobbies, or sharing updates.
- Including emojis or shorthand phrases that fit the informal style of Discord chats, making my communication feel more natural and fun.
- The more tailored my AAC system is to the way I use Discord, the easier it will be to participate in conversations.
- Streamlining Everyday Conversations
Discord moves fast, and keeping up in chatrooms or voice channels can be challenging. To make things smoother, I’m creating shortcuts and workflows specifically for these interactions:
- Setting up “hotkeys” or quick-access phrases for things I say often, like “Great point!” or “Let’s start a new game.”
- Organizing folders for server-specific vocabulary, so I can easily find what I need depending on the conversation.
- Practicing real-time use of my AAC tools during Discord chats to improve speed and timing, helping me stay in sync with the conversation.
- These small adjustments can make a big difference in how I keep up with the energy of Discord servers.
- Improving Access and Speed
Discord requires quick responses, whether it’s chatting, reacting with emojis, or switching between text and voice. I’m refining how I use my AAC tools to handle these tasks faster:
- Rearranging my AAC layout so Discord-specific phrases and tools are easily accessible.
- Linking my AAC system to Discord shortcuts, like custom key bindings, to speed up navigation.
- Practicing ways to combine AAC tools with Discord features, like quickly reacting with emojis or using text-to-speech to participate in voice channels.
- By focusing on speed and efficiency, I can stay fully engaged in Discord communities.
- Integrating AAC with My Daily Life
Communication goes beyond just conversations—it’s about being part of everything around me, including the communities I care about on Discord. I’m exploring ways to integrate my AAC tools into my overall routine, such as:
- Setting reminders to join scheduled Discord events, like game nights or community meetups.
- Using my AAC system to draft and post longer messages, like announcements or thoughtful responses, in servers where I’m active.
- Finding ways to bridge Discord with other parts of my life, like sharing updates from my AAC journey with supportive communities.
- These integrations make it easier to use Discord as a seamless part of my day.
- Learning and Practicing New Features
Discord is full of features—text channels, voice chat, and even bots—and so are my AAC tools. This year, I’m dedicating time to mastering both:
- Learning how to use my AAC tools effectively for text-based chats, like speeding up typing or creating macros for common messages.
- Exploring how text-to-speech and voice integration can help me join voice channels and be more active in live conversations.
- Watching tutorials or reading guides about advanced Discord features, like organizing servers or using bots, so I can participate even more.
- The better I know my tools, the more comfortable I’ll feel using them in any situation.
- Exploring New Ways to Connect
Discord is a great platform for connecting with people who share my interests, and I’m looking for even more ways to make those connections meaningful:
- Creating pre-written responses for introducing myself in new servers or sharing details about my AAC journey with others.
- Using pinned messages or notes to keep track of ongoing conversations, so I can jump back in even if I’ve been away for a bit.
- Participating more actively in voice chats by using my AAC tools to communicate during real-time conversations.
- By finding new ways to connect, I can make deeper, more meaningful contributions to my communities.
- Building My Confidence
For me, communication isn’t just about the tools—it’s about feeling comfortable using them in any situation, including fast-paced platforms like Discord. This year, I’m setting a goal to step out of my comfort zone:
- Practicing joining new servers or starting conversations in unfamiliar channels.
- Participating in live events, like voice chats or streams, to build confidence in real-time communication.
- Celebrating small wins, like making a new friend in a server or contributing to a group discussion.
- Every interaction helps me feel more confident in expressing myself and being part of the community.
A Year of Connection and Growth
For me, this year is about making my AAC tools work smarter, not harder, especially in spaces like Discord. By focusing on personalization, speed, and confidence, I’m setting myself up for deeper connections and more meaningful conversations. Whether it’s sharing a joke in a text channel, joining a gaming night, or contributing to discussions, I’m ready to make 2025 a year where my voice is stronger than ever—both on and off Discord.
There are no comments yet. Be the first to post!
You must be logged in to post.
Communicators In Action