Literacy, part two

In part two of our literacy theme on Start the Chat, we hear from Emily Cowen, an AAC user and advocate, as she shares her literacy journey and the barriers she faced along the way. Together, we reflect on the importance of inclusivity, the role of belief in supporting people who use AAC, and how assumptions and bias can limit opportunities for learning and self-expression. We then meet Jamie Preece and his partner Emma to hear their perspective on discovering literacy later in life. Jamie shares the impact literacy has had on his ability to communicate, and how he combines spelling, phrases, symbols, prediction and re-voicing to get his message across effectively. Both stories powerfully reinforce themes from our previous conversation with Maureen Donnelly, highlighting how literacy can give people who use AAC greater freedom, independence, and control over their communication. To learn more about Emily and her work, visit www.emsdisabilityadvocacyconsultingservices.com.