by James Falahee, PRC-Saltillo Ambassador 

Finding My Voice: How Camp ALEC Shaped My AAC Journey

To celebrate the recent release of Camp ALEC on Disney+ (go check it out!), I have been asked to write about the camp from the perspective of a former camper for five years and a counselor/mentor for one year.

 As someone who has used Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices since preschool, I've learned that finding your community can be life-changing. My device is an Accent 1400 manufactured by PRC-Satillo, and while mastering the technology has been important, discovering a place where I truly belonged was transformative.

Discovering Camp ALEC

When my Speech-Language Pathologist, Tina, first told me about Camp ALEC, I had no idea it would become my favorite place to be. As someone with cerebral palsy, I was used to being the only kid with a communication device in most settings. The idea of spending a week surrounded by other AAC users seemed almost too good to be true! I had no idea of the (fun) chaos that was about to ensue.

Camp ALEC was crucial in helping me develop independence in ways I never expected. For the first time, I was in an environment where using my Accent 1400 wasn't just accepted—it was celebrated. No one was pressuring us to communicate faster or differently. The activities and games, like jeopardy and scavenger hunts, all about the camp, were all designed specifically with AAC users in mind. When a camper participated, they were encouraged to use their device to say what they wanted, instead of just gesturing or taking shortcuts.

More Than Just a Week Away

What struck me most about Camp ALEC was how it reconfirmed the idea that I was a normal kid. I could be carefree and enjoy the silliest of camp activities without worrying about communication barriers. The directors, Gina, Tina, Karen, and Dave, poured their hearts and souls into making sure every camper had the time of their lives and a tailored education plan for the year ahead. They understood that we needed both fun and growth, and they delivered both in abundance. Oftentimes, the literacy sessions didn’t even feel like work.

The impact of Camp ALEC goes far beyond a week each year. In senior year, a former counselor, who also happens to be my best friend, went to homecoming and prom with me. Two others drove a few hours to attend my graduation party. These aren't just summer connections—they are lifelong friendships built on genuine understanding and acceptance. Through Instagram, I keep up with a few other former campers. It’s fun to see where life has taken them!

The Power of the AAC Community

While I have gradually come to appreciate the literacy and educational components of camp, the greatest impact of Camp ALEC is the authentic friendships naturally formed. The bonds I created here extend well beyond those six days a year. Many former counselors are not just doing this for a paycheck; they are dedicated to helping campers have "another best day," as their motto states. They found ways to deliver on that promise every single day of camp.

Looking back on my AAC journey, I can't overstate how transformative it was to find a community that truly understands my experience. While my teachers, classmates, and family have always been supportive, being surrounded by people who share your communication journey is irreplaceable. There are lessons only experience can teach.

A Story Worth Sharing

I'm thrilled to share that Camp ALEC's story is now reaching a wider audience. The camp's documentary, called "Camp ALEC," has just been released on Disney+. This film captures the magic that happens when AAC users come together in a supportive, understanding environment. It shows the world what I've experienced firsthand—that communication devices don't limit us; they empower us to connect, learn, and thrive.

Looking Forward

As I prepare for my third year of college, the skills I developed at Camp ALEC continue to serve me well. College has brought both incredible highs and challenging lows—higher education wasn't exactly designed with communication device users in mind. But the confidence and self-advocacy skills I gained at camp, along with my support network, keep me moving forward.

Camp ALEC showed me that I'm not alone in this journey. It proved that with the right community, support, and understanding, AAC users can achieve anything we set our minds to. The friendships, memories, and confidence I gained there continue to fuel my success today.

If you're an AAC user or supporting someone who is, I highly recommend finding your community. Whether it's a specialized camp like Camp ALEC, a local AAC group, or online communities, connecting with others who share your experience can be truly transformative. The friendships, memories, and confidence I gained continue to fuel my success today.

I hope sharing the documentary helps others discover the incredible people in the AAC community and see the life-changing potential of this technology. 

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 Communicators In Action   -    camp, campalec, disney,

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