By Elsie Hudak:  Submission was written on a Dynavox Vmax using single switch input.

What a wondrous thing the voice. 

A multilayered connection with the world.  A dialogue past, present and future.  Both intimate and general, creative and healing.  A representation of who you are and what you think, feel, know, want and love.  It passes through the mystical separation that divides all people.  So when you lose your voice, what then?  This amazing beautiful, necessary gift.  What then?   What then?

The AAC communication computer is the what and now is the then.  A multifaceted save-the- day miracle. Only recently available in time for me.  Now I can talk through printing.  Erase it, print it, or send and receive emails.  You have control through the AAC  device of your television thus keeping you current and entertained. 

AHA!  Access to the Internet – Avenue Unlimited. 

The human brain needs stimulation, relationship, creativity and communication.  These opportunities are available with slight pressure of your thumb.  You are never so vulnerable as you are without a voice, but the AAC device can be your new wonderful voice.

The AAC device will bring some major losses I haven’t mentioned.  The loss of frustration, of anger, of hopelessness in regards to your ability to be heard and independent.  There are personalized benefits – in my case I can continue writing poetry and print or save them.  Another person may wish to write stories or journal things one finds worthwhile.

The AAC device opens doors, travels distances, knocks down barricades, accompanies and listens.  A genie of “yes” from a bottle of “no”.