Thread by @ekverstania

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos Apraxic people sometimes take a long time to develop purposeful motor skills, and even when they can communicate independently, they may have days when they need some help.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos This is similar to some wheelchair users who can walk, but not on all days.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos Some of us autists who can speak also have times when speech dries up and we need to flip over to AAC. Alyssa Hillary has written and lectured on this subject.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos We do not deny a wheelchair user the right to use their wheelchair just because they can walk at times. Similarly, it makes no sense to deny someone who can type independently the right to also have a bit of support from a facilitator.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos Once someone has "demonstrated their intelligence", it makes no sense to then discard their perspective, as though they are "too stupid to know what's good for them".

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos In his speech to the United Nations on 2 April 2019, DJ Savarese made an appeal for multi-modal AAC.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos Most humans are multi-modal communicators. We use real-time speech, gestures, text messages, voice messages.

Non-speakers too often require multiple modes for different situations.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos Thus someone who CAN type independently may choose support because it makes them faster and takes away some of the strain.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos To expect apraxic individuals to first lose their apraxia before they are allowed to communicate is ludicrous. That's like telling an accident victim that they deserve no crutches or physiotherapy. They must just walk normally, unaided.

@Foster_Science @anomalapropos And if you grant them the crutches and they never get to the point where they can walk without them for more than a few metres, shall we deny them the crutches just because one or two individuals have abused crutches and faked disability?