by Ayub Rustamov, PRC-Saltillo Ambassador
I have been a senior in high school for the entirety of my school years—taking general education courses. For my senior year, I am doing English 12, Algebra 2, Study Skills and French 2. Study Skills is a class in which I can make up class assignments.
I have 1 support at school that is a paraeducator. My para can read to me, write to me when I have work on paper and help me when I need it. I feel that I have that support which helps me to be able to attend school and to get my work done.
My Accent device is another very significant aspect of my school day. With my Accent device, I am able to control and drive my power wheelchair using my eyes. This will help me to be more independent as I move around the school building. I enjoy driving around the school before homeroom, and spending time with my friends.
The most difficult part of my school day is when we are changing classes and I have to drive my power wheelchair in class. Hallways get very full and it's more difficult to move about the school.
My Accent also enables me to communicate with my friends in school and out of school. I have an app called AeroText to get my Accent to connect with my Samsung phone and send my friends text messages. As with every teenager, I get to hang out and make plans with friends outside of school.
I LIKE to be involved in school activities outside of the classroom. Attends events such as basketball games, football games, homecoming. My Accent device assists me in communicating and in being included in these experiences.
Being in general education has been significant to me because it has helped to demonstrate to others that a person with an AAC device can do many of the same things as anyone else. There are some things I do differently, but I still go to school, hang out with friends, attend school activities, and plan activities during the day.
One way I wish more people knew about those using AAC devices is that we also want to be a part of normal, everyday conversation. Sometimes people don't know how to communicate with someone using a communication device, but the best they can do is to include us, talk to us directly and give us time to communicate.
My Accent device helps me to be more independent, stay connected with my friends and be part of the school life. It is not just a means of communication for me. It's a resource that enables me to be a part of my school community and experience my life as a normal high school student.
Ayub travelling in his wheelchair
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Communicators In Action