
Some communication approaches prescribe a rigid, step-by-step recipe for using their tools and instructional methods. At Reach Every Voice, we take a different path. Our practices are informed by multiple evidence-based strategies, drawing from a variety of sources to meet each learner where they are.
We know every student is unique — and most communicate in multiple and varied ways. That’s why our instruction centers on a text-based, multimodal AAC approach, empowering learners to express themselves authentically, confidently, and effectively.
Reach Every Voice is a practice of educators with decades of experience working with nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic learners. Many of our staff are state-certified teachers. We provide direct instruction to teach individuals who are nonspeaking or have unreliable verbal abilities to express themselves with alternative communication. We also work with families and schools to help them collaboratively find ways to meet the needs of these students in their home and school learning environments.




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![There is no one size fits all solution for AAC. Now that iPads are so readily available and relatively cheap in comparison to dedicated devices, there’s a tendency to look to them to be the answer for all students.
Oftentimes students have unique access needs that take time for teams to figure out. It might require collaboration among OTs, PTs, SLPs, teachers, paraeducators and families.
You might need to figure out the best access methods, whether that’s by directly selecting something by pointing to it and touching it or using a switch to scan, using partner assisted scanning, eye gaze, or even more complicated set ups.
Learners also need time and instruction in how to move their bodies in order to access switches, accurately hit targets, or calibrate eye gaze.
When teams determine after a trial of a single device or program or a single access method that students have been unsuccessful in their ability to use AAC, it's problematic.
We need to constantly think creatively and customize our solutions for each learner we meet.
[id: a series of 3 images. The first, a graphic of a note with a paper clip. The text reads, "Reminder: There is no one-size-fits-all solution for AAC." Second: 3 photographs showing 3 AAC setups: a switch mounted at a wheelchair user's knee to control scanning on her device, multiple switches positioned on a wheelchair tray to control device / wheelchair functions, direct selecting on iPad touchscreen. Third: partner holding a keyboard to position it, partner assisted scanning (PAS), student with a wheelchair mounted eye-gaze device interacting with a peer's science fair presentation.]
#CommunicationAccess #CommunicationIsAHumanRight #NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonThinking](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/580213877_1441971021265174_1967555203073601506_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=iV7zKJACeloQ7kNvwFsy-v2&_nc_oc=AdlTA1c2XwYwc4eMmnPI-SIq3u1fkRb76XpcLEa3LfKSG2su1AIKmFNRjfNQcFFTb-8&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=9wH_ofIwhFRodWWNmgm2ug&oh=00_AfiYuP0P-1apqVXscyesmO8fE_g65B4Jbu_vlRE8fgwSVA&oe=6919D62F)
![At REV, we value autonomy over independence. We also believe that no one is truly independent. We live interconnected lives that are made better for the ways we rely on one another. What matters is the autonomy we have in directing our own decisions.
What conversations have you had lately about shifting your perspectives from prioritizing independence to prioritizing autonomy?
[image id: a teal two-tone graphic of a speech bubble with some of the words "Autonomy isn't doing everything yourself. It's being able to direct the choices that impact your life" printed in white. The Reach Every Voice logo is printed in white in the bottom right corner]
#autonomy #PresumeCompetence #NonSpeakingDoesNotEqualNonThinking #Interdependence #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #Autism #DisabilityRights](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/577609935_1440883284707281_7496918742369856430_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=HWyGWaSlKxkQ7kNvwHwl2fq&_nc_oc=Adn1XNm3C_zHvbGzLTGse1uWqbVTAsWWO_emKCzlzUxR_3xCM_Ls398FVB1tdH32d8E&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=9wH_ofIwhFRodWWNmgm2ug&oh=00_AfhB5v8GLvyT4jnXMMK73ZObfC3qlZxSR30Dd0044Dq8Aw&oe=6919DFF1)






![Nick has some simple ways to be an ally to autistic people.
Nick's Tips: advice from a nonspeaking autistic guy
1: Follow autistic creators. There are so many diverse lived experiences among autistic people. Learn from as many as you can.
2: Share our voices; don't claim to be our voice. Unless you inhabit my body and mind, you can't know my thoughts and feelings.
3: Don't assume someone's speech is reliable. I'm scripting as I type this, but it's not what I'm thinking. You have to look past my speech to hear my voice.
4: Stop talking about heavy work of teaching autistic kids. Hearing constantly that you are a burden has lasting effects. If this pretty direct statement offends, try not to shut it out: teachers who need to be told how amazing they are for teaching 'tough' students like me, they should not be teaching.
5: Check yourself before commenting. Don't add to conversations in spaces where you see lots of autistic leaders. Maybe you will learn more by listening than by inserting your two cents.
[id: 7 melon-colored slides that include the five tips shared above as well as a cover that reads, "Nick's Tips: advice from a nonspeaking autistic guy. 5 simple ways to be an ally to autistic people" and a closing slide reminding folks to engage with this post to increase the reach of Nick's words.]
#ActuallyAutistic #AutisticAlly #AutismAwareness #ReachEveryVoice #NicksTips #advocacy #PresumeCompetence #autism #NonspeakingDoesNotEqualNonthinking #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/493639406_1260111392784472_326312571717192138_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=ahOl10iUGjwQ7kNvwG9drM0&_nc_oc=AdlciB-OlS4R5-Biue1WXEBlwoSq1BAp5mOJ0b2RG-NzMb53ERMtusnGUTR82uLGNZc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=9wH_ofIwhFRodWWNmgm2ug&oh=00_AfgV-wSHv15vlKEXQvRfezIaTsCt0QacT6pjC04X0IWS0w&oe=6919F5F2)





