Every October, the UK celebrates AAC Awareness Month to highlight the importance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for individuals facing communication challenges. AAC includes an array of tools and techniques—from high-tech devices like text-to-speech software and eye-gaze systems to simpler, low-tech options like picture symbols and communication boards—all designed to support self-expression.
These tools play a critical role in empowering people across the UK to connect, engage, and communicate with greater independence. This month, we come together to celebrate the diversity of communication, raising awareness and advocating for broader access to AAC resources to ensure every voice is heard.
As part of AAC Month, we would like to share Daniel’s story.
Daniel is a person we support from our residential living homes on the southern English coast. Daniel has a Pathfinder 8, an incredible tool he uses to communicate, which he controls using movements of his neck and head. Paulina, the registered home manager, said “With it, he operates everything from his Smart TV to Alexa, which is great to see as it helps promote more independence each day.” With his Pathfinder device, Daniel was able to share his story using such an invaluable tool
Hey,
My name is Daniel, and I want to share my “Pathfinder story” with you all. I started to use this communication aid when I was 20 years old, and since then, this is my life. I control this aid with my head pressing special buttons placed on both sides of my headrest. With this device, I can control my music, my movies (DVDs), Amazon Prime, and Netflix. When using the aid I can also control my mobile phone, call my friends or family and talk to them. Staff can add names, sentences on my request, or songs which I want to play on my Alexa, which again, I can also control with my Pathfinder.
It took me years to learn all possible options, but I am getting better and better and now, I can even fix issues with the internet, adjust the size of the pictures on my TV, and do other things without asking staff. There are additional things I am able to do myself when using the Pathfinder, but the most important is that, the aid is helping me to communicate my needs, and my worries and express myself more in daily life.
I hope that you enjoyed my little story about how this Pathfinder aid has improved my life and gave me so much independence.
