Finding My Voice Through Humor: Creating the “Murder of Words on AAC” Podcast

Abstract

For many people, AAC is seen as a tool for basic communication. But for me, AAC is also a way to tell stories, share opinions, laugh at life’s absurd moments, and occasionally say the things people don’t expect someone with a “sexy robot voice” to say.

In this presentation, I will share the journey of creating my podcast, Murder of Words on AAC. As a woman with athetoid cerebral palsy who communicates using a two-switch scanning AAC device, I wanted to create a space where I could talk about anything that interests me—not just disability. Through humor, storytelling, books, personal experiences, and a healthy appreciation for dark comedy, I have built a podcast that challenges assumptions about what AAC communicators can do and what we are “supposed” to talk about.

I will discuss why I chose the theme of crows and the idea of a “murder of words,” how I created the podcast using AAC and technology, and how humor has become one of my most important tools for connection, advocacy, and self-expression. I will also share some of the challenges of creating content as an AAC communicator, and why having the freedom to be funny, opinionated, creative, curious, and imperfect matters.

This presentation is for anyone interested in AAC, storytelling, creativity, and authentic communication. My hope is that attendees will leave with a better understanding that AAC communicators are not just communicating needs and wants—we are sharing ideas, creating art, telling stories, making jokes, and sometimes making people a little uncomfortable in the best possible way.

After all, sometimes the most unexpected ideas, stories, and conversations come from a sexy robot voice.