The Future Speaks

This will be a short one today, sorry. Or you’re welcome, depending on how you feel about my writing.

I’m on my way to the College of Wooster in Ohio. I’m going to be speaking to young people who are getting into the field of speech language therapy, and AAC technology in particular. I’ll also be visiting with the good people at Prentke Romich before my speech. Given some of our past friction, I suppose that could be a little awkward, but the fact remains that PRC is largely responsible for the success Schuyler has had in the past, and she continues to use their language system today, now on her iPad. I look forward to meeting with them and seeing what their future plans look like, because one thing I can say for certain is that Schuyler will be part of that future they’re building.

I always love talking to students who are getting ready to enter the world of speech language therapy. Technology is moving so fast, and these are the ones who are going to make sure it moves in the right direction and into the hands of those who need it. These are the future professionals who will support that technology and nurture those who use it. They are the ones who will convert big ideas and fancy technology into humanity. I can tell you, it is something to behold.

This technology means a lot of things to a lot of people, but the universal power it holds is simple. It means independence. It means autonomy, of expression and self-determination. If there’s one thing I hope I can express to these young people, as well as to the professionals in attendance who are out there doing this work already, it would be my extreme admiration, and my eternal gratitude. I’m sure there are parents out there who are a bigger pain in the ass than I am, but I can’t imagine I’m not a contender for some kind of prize. So it’s important for me to stop and say thank you now and then.

So, you know. Thanks.