Reading, writing, and AAC are fundamental

Having significant disabilities circumscribes the agency of millions of people to use reading and writing to live their lives. Disability should not be used to justify consigning those needing AAC to being treated as having few literacy skills. Access to language-based communication and literacy tools is essential to safeguarding and securing human and civil rights. The following actions must be undertaken to secure access to communication and literacy for people who need or use AAC: (1) Sustained research, demonstration, and system change efforts should be carried out at all levels to rectify the denial of communication and language supports for people with congenital and acquired disabilities; (2) Society must invest in strategies that enhance literacy opportunities and outcomes for people who need or use AAC at every stage of life; (3) Participatory action research must be prioritized to identify and remedy discrimination against Black, indigenous, brown, and non-English-using children and adults who need AAC; (4) Data must be collected and used to ensure the rights and bolster the everyday participation of all who need AAC; and (5) A blueprint should be issued on what must be done to secure these individuals' full civil rights and liberties.