By Melina Giubilaro, Communications Specialist
Imagine having ideas, feelings and dreams inside you, but no easy way to share them. For many children and youth with physical, speech, or language impairments, that’s their daily reality. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) offers tools to bridge that gap—from simple picture boards and switches to advanced eye-tracking systems that allow them to communicate with just their eyes.
To mark AAC Awareness Month in October, the Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre’s Services for Assistive Technology and Communication Program (SATCOM) hosted an AAC Open House at the Mackay site on Décarie Boulevard, inviting staff to step into their clients’ shoes and experience firsthand the technology that transforms communication for children and youth.
“Our program supports children and youth who have communication difficulties that limit their ability to express themselves orally or in writing,” said Emily Lecker, Program Manager for the Rehabilitation Program in Specialized Schools. “We look at the technology available and match it to the client’s needs to help them communicate, whether that means complementing their existing speech or providing an alternative way for them to express what’s on their mind.”
The Open House on October 9 showcased a range of tools, from basic switches that record simple messages like “yes” or “I want to play outside” to complex eye-tracking systems capable of forming full sentences. These technologies can be life-changing for clients with limited motor control, empowering them to express ideas, preferences and emotions in ways that weren’t previously possible.
For Ms. Lecker, events like this are key to raising awareness. “Not everyone knows this technology exists,” she said.
“We wanted staff to experience what our clients go through and see the innovative solutions that can truly change their ability to communicate.”
Emily Lecker, Program Manager for the Rehabilitation Program in Specialized Schools
The hands-on experience had a powerful impact on staff from the Mackay site. Benjamin Gormley, a Speech-Language Pathologist, took part in a game of Headband Charades using TD Snap, an app controlled entirely by eye movements. “After a few minutes of using the Eyegaze system, I could feel my eyes getting tired,” he said.
“It really opened my eyes—no pun intended—to the visual fatigue our clients can experience every day. It took about 15 minutes for my colleague and me to communicate a simple message. That really puts into perspective how much effort goes into every interaction.”
That shift in perspective is exactly what the event was designed to spark. “When people see our clients using these devices, it can look easy,” said Trish Coffin, a Speech-Language Pathologist. “But when staff try them themselves, they quickly realize how much persistence, determination, and resilience our clients have. It’s inspiring.”
Over her 25 years as a speech-language pathologist, Ms. Coffin has seen firsthand how these tools transform lives. “When parents hear their child say ‘I love you’ for the first time through a device, it’s life-changing,” she said. “We learn what our clients love, what makes them laugh, and who they are, because they now have a way to express it.”
For Ms. Lecker, that’s what SATCOM is all about: Breaking down barriers to communication and opening doors. “Every child has a right to learn and to communicate,” she said. “With the right tools and support, they can share their thoughts, feelings, and personalities with the world.”
