Nothing about AAC users without AAC users: a call for meaningful inclusion in research, technology development, and professional training

Historically, priorities for research, technology development, and professional training in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) have been identified largely by nondisabled professionals with limited, if any, involvement of people who need or use AAC. In this paper, we argue that people who need or use AAC must be leaders and co-creators in all activities that are about them or impact them. AAC users are the ones who have the best insights into their unmet needs; they also are the best positioned to identify priorities, appropriate methods, and potential solutions to the needs of the AAC community. A paradigm shift toward inclusive research, technology development, and professional training will bring challenges, including: the current lack of knowledge and experience with these methods in the AAC field; the potential for tokenism; and systemic barriers driven by ableism, racism, and other oppression. Ultimately, the field will need to build meaningful collaborations guided by mutual respect, trust, and the consideration of new ideas through open communication, a shared vision, and a deep commitment to the guiding principle, Nothing about us without us.