How AAC has helped Aidan find his voice
By Ellise Hollie Hayward, Disabilities Correspondent
Aidan Holmes is 21 years old and has been using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) since he was six years old.
He has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and relies on an AAC device to communicate every day.
Aidan has a strong interest in speech and language therapy and physiotherapy.
Inspired by his own experiences, he hopes one day to run his own business helping people access the therapy and support they need.
His AAC journey began with a Dynavox device operated by a switch. As technology developed and his skills grew, he moved on to a Smartbox device using Grid 2 and later Grid 3 software. Today, Aidan uses a Grid Pad 13 with eye gaze technology and Grid 3, allowing him to communicate independently.
Despite having an effective communication system, Aidan still encounters barriers.
When he is out in public, people often speak to his personal assistants rather than addressing him directly. These assumptions are based on how he communicates, rather than on his understanding.
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Aidan's story highlights the importance of AAC in giving people a voice and the opportunity to express their thoughts, preferences and ambitions.
It also serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to be spoken to directly and treated as an active participant in conversations about their own lives.
Through AAC, Aidan is able to share his experiences, pursue his goals and advocate for greater understanding of communication disabilities. His journey shows the difference that access to communication can make.
