by Luther Smith, PRC-Saltillo Ambassador
For a long time, I lived in a world full of noise — but without a voice.
I could hear everything: people laughing, talking, shouting, whispering. I saw my classmates saying things like “Happy Thanksgiving!” or “Merry Christmas!” I watched them wave hello and goodbye, ask for help, make jokes, tell stories.
And I couldn’t say anything back.
I am nonverbal. That doesn’t mean I don’t have thoughts. It doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings or opinions or dreams. It just means I don’t use my voice the same way other people do.
Before I had my AAC device, I was stuck.
I felt like I was locked inside my own mind.
I had so many words I wanted to say — but no way to let them out.
I wanted to say, “Hello.”
I wanted to say, “Good morning.”
I wanted to say, “I love you.”
I wanted to say, “I’m sad,” or “I’m excited!” or “Can I play with you?”
But all of those words just stayed inside. I knew them. I felt them. But they had nowhere to go.
When I got my AAC device in third grade, something changed. For the first time, I could build sentences. I could press buttons and speak. It wasn’t easy at first. Learning to use my device took time. But it was worth it.
Now I can say:
- “Happy Thanksgiving!”
- “Have a good day!”
- “I want chicken nuggets.”
- “That made me laugh.”
- “Goodbye, see you tomorrow!”
I can talk to my teachers and friends. I can tell jokes. I can answer questions. I can ask my own questions.
I can say what I think and what I feel.
I can be part of the conversation.
My AAC device didn’t just give me a voice. It gave me freedom.
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Communicators In Action - silence