Young adults should not be learning to self-advocate.

This is particularly true for young adult AAC users.

However, it seems to be when it happens. It’s often a sudden (and scary) realisation that our kids are about to become adults who need to take control of their lives, self-direct their supports and self-advocate. 

This is not a skill that emerges overnight. We cannot simply provide advocacy language into a device and expect a young person to confidently speak up for themselves and their needs. But when, and how, should we start this crucial journey?

Including contributions and experiences (with consent, of course) from adult AAC users, let’s discuss how vital it is that we promote access to the language, confidence and social skills required to self-advocate and self-direct supports well before adulthood. Because young adults should not be learning to self-advocate; they should be masters at it.