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Lilly’s Voice

@lillysvoice

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Created by @afriendforlillybug 💜 501c3 that provides AAC devices to those that cannot get them through other agencies. Apply at LillysVoice.org

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I think there’s a misconception that giving someone an AAC device means they’ll suddenly start communicating like everyone around them - but that’s not really how it works.

The purpose of an AAC device isn’t to teach someone to push the buttons we want them to push, as quickly as we want them to push them. It’s about giving them access to a language system and supporting them as they figure out how they want and need to use it.

And that takes time.

Every AAC user will use their device differently.

They might use it to:
Be silly.
Stim.
Type and spell.
Say one word.
Say BIG sentences.
Say affirmations.
Request. A LOT.
Tell jokes.
Say bad words.
Use phrases and gestalts.
Participate at school.
Engage with strangers.
Plan adventures.
Talk about their special interests.
Learn new words and language.
Process information.
Build independence.

And sometimes they won’t use it at all. AAC use ebbs and flows.

Lilly has been growing and changing alongside her device for years, and she’s taught me that communication doesn’t look one specific way. Her needs change. Her interests change. The way she communicates changes.

The goal was never to make her say what we wanted her to say.

The goal of AAC is access to language and communication.

To express wants, needs, thoughts, feelings, opinions, ideas, humor, interests, questions, frustrations, and everything in between.

To support someone’s individual journey.

To give them a voice that belongs to THEM.

And to give them the tools to SAY ANYTHING.

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Lilly’s “Say Anything” shirt was designed by @the.ap.life just for Lilly’s Voice ❤️

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#autistic #nonspeaking #AACdevice by @lillysvoice

I recently added a folder to Lilly’s AAC device called “strong word choices”, which contains some curse words and sarcastic/strong phrases. I know this may not seem like a great idea to everyone —but I assure you, it’s important. Many teens and adults do use strong words and phrases (yes, even curse words). But too often, AAC users are denied the use of those words because no one thinks to add the buttons, no one models how to spell them… or because people simply don’t want AAC users to have access to those words at all.

Here’s the truth:
🔹 AAC users deserve access to all language.
🔹 It’s not our job to censor—our job is to provide access and guidance.
🔹 What words get used, and when, should be their choice.

Communication isn’t just “please” and “thank you.” It’s frustration, humor, sarcasm, and sometimes—strong words. Everyone deserves that right!

▫️Last slide shows a moment when Lilly heard me say a “strong phrase” and repeated me, so I reminded her it was in her new folder, and she found it there too - then we discussed! New phrase unlocked 🤣

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#LovemyLillybug #CutiePie #Autism #Autistic #nonspeaking #apraxia #AAC #Proloquo2Go #communication #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #ProudMama #MyGirl #sarcasm #language #cursewords by @lillysvoice

I made this video to share with my company for a fundraiser—and even though I’ve never done a voiceover video like this before, and it totally needs some improvements… I still think it turned out pretty cute! So I wanted to share it here too 💛

PLUS… it gives me a chance to share some BIG news: the number of devices we’ve provided so far!

Watch it to find out what huge milestone we just hit, because it’s absolutely mind-blowing! 🙌✨

I know it’s a long video, but I hope those of you who watch it, enjoy it. This is just a tiny glimpse into what AAC devices are and what we do here at Lilly’s Voice (full explanations would likely make the video twice as long).

I’m so proud of this nonprofit and everything we’ve accomplished—and I’m beyond grateful for all of you cheering us on, donating, and helping us change lives.

We truly couldn’t do this without you 💜

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(Thank you to everyone that shared clips with me of their children recently, or in the past, I tried to include as many as I could - will make an updated version in the future with even more kids)

#LillysVoice #Autism #Autistic #apraxia #AAC #AAC4ALL #communication #AMAZING #SLP #speech #TouchChat #Proloquo2go #Assistiveware #Saltillo #TDSnap #nonprofit #donations #nonspeaking #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #AACDevice by @lillysvoice

Meet 3-year-old Eli!

Eli recently received his very own AAC device with Proloquo2Go from Lilly’s Voice!

His mom describes him as sweet, smart, and a wild spirit! He loves climbing anything he can find, playing outside, exploring colors, and especially playing with water. He’s happiest splashing around outside or cuddling up with his favorite pillow.

We’re so excited for Eli to have a voice through AAC and can’t wait to see all the things he has to say! 💙

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#AACDevice #communication #nonprofit by @lillysvoice

600 AAC Devices! 💜

Last month, Lilly’s Voice provided our 600th AAC device and training. A milestone we honestly never imagined reaching.

When we started Lilly’s Voice five years ago, we thought we might provide two devices a month. Instead, we’ve provided 2–3 devices every week, while also helping many more families who already had devices but needed support.

We know how overwhelming it can be for parents trying to navigate this journey and get their child the tools they need. AAC isn’t an easy button. It takes time, effort, patience and commitment, but giving your child the ability to communicate, connect and advocate for themselves can change their life. The work is worth it. 💜

We’re incredibly grateful to our generous donors who make it possible for us to keep putting devices into the hands of kids who haven’t been able to access them through traditional sources.

We’re honored to be a small part of their journey.

Because every child deserves a voice. 💜

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#AACDevice #Communication #Nonprofit by @lillysvoice

We LOVE getting updates like this!

12-year-old Rahsaan received his AAC device with Proloquo2Go from Lilly’s Voice in July, and his mom recently reached out to let us know how things are going.

And he is doing SO well!

Rahsaan is using his device every single day, at home, at school, and at ABA. His family is using it right alongside him and making sure his AAC is available everywhere he goes.

His mom even sent us some photos and videos from their mornings at home, including Rahsaan using his device to talk about a couple of his current favorites: Starbucks and Wawa. 😂

When we provide a child with an AAC device, we know we’re only seeing the very beginning of their journey. That’s why these updates mean so much to us. We absolutely love hearing from families weeks, months, and even years later and getting to see all the ways their child is using their voice.

We are so thrilled to hear how well Rahsaan is doing and so grateful to his mom for continuing to share his journey with us.

Keep going, Rahsaan. We can’t wait to see what you have to say next. 💙

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#LillysVoice #AAC #Proloquo2Go by @lillysvoice

Meet 3-year-old Cody!

Cody loves Cocomelon, cookies for snack time, being outdoors, and playing with his little brother. He’s also a little tech expert who loves exploring and learning through technology!

Cody recently received an AAC device from Lilly’s Voice with TouchChat with WordPower, giving him another way to express himself and share all the things that make him Cody.

We are so excited to see where this new device takes him and all the things he’ll have to say! 💙

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#AACDevice #Communication by @lillysvoice

We sent a $10,000 donation to Lilly’s Voice today. They get AAC devices into the hands of children who are waiting for a way to communicate. Communication truly is a basic human right.

This is what the Preschool Autism Summit makes possible. Thousands of educators, SLPs, OTs, and families spent four days learning how to support autistic preschoolers with neuro-affirming strategies Material, and the ripple keeps going past the last session.

And to everyone who upgraded to the All Access Pass: this donation exists because of you. When you invested in your own learning, you also put AAC devices in the hands of children who need them. Thank you for that.

Nonspeaking does not mean a child has nothing to say. Thank you for being part of making sure they are heard.

Warmly, Tara ❤️

PS- go follow @lillysvoice and see all of the amazing goodness they are putting out into the world 🩷

#nonspeaking #neuroaffirming #preschoolautism #preschoolslp #aacandautism by @lillysvoice

Meet Kai!

Kaidence, better known as Kai, is the sweetest 12 year old boy. He loves helping whenever he can, is a huge fan of going to the park, and absolutely loves to eat all the cheeseburgers he can get (yummy)!

We’re so excited to share that Kai recently received a communication device with Proloquo2Go through Lilly’s Voice! Every child deserves a way to communicate, and we can’t wait to watch him grow with AAC and discover all that’s possible.

Congratulations, Kai! We are so excited for you and your family as you begin this new journey.

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#AACDevice #Communication #Proloquo2go by @lillysvoice

Say hello to Gilberto! At just 4 years old, he’s already an explorer at heart with an incredibly curious mind and a kind soul.

We are so excited to share that through Lilly’s Voice, Gilberto now has a new communication device loaded with Proloquo2Go. This tool gives him a whole new outlet to express his thoughts, ask questions, and let his wonderful personality shine with the people who love him.

Being a part of his communication journey is an absolute honor. Keep shining bright, Gilberto! 🌟

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#nonprofit #communication #AAC by @lillysvoice

Some bonds are special from the very beginning, and 3-year-old twins Santiago and Sebastian are no exception.

Santiago has a gentle heart. He loves books, enjoys spending time with puzzles, and gives what his mom says are the best hugs in the world. She says one hug from Santiago is all you need to make your day better.

Sebastian is full of joy and adventure. He loves being outside, playing tag with friends, and never turns down a chance to have fun. His favorite toys are his cars and his beloved Woody.

These sweet boys recently received AAC devices from Lilly’s Voice with Proloquo2Go, giving them another way to communicate, connect, and share their thoughts with the people who love them.

We are so grateful to every person who supports Lilly’s Voice. Because of you, more children are gaining access to communication and more families are experiencing the incredible moments that happen when a child has a way to express themselves.

Welcome to the Lilly’s Voice family, Santiago and Sebastian. We can’t wait to see where your communication journey takes you ❤️❤️

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#LillysVoice #AAC #Proloquo2Go by @lillysvoice

Last week we had an amazing “Girl’s Trip” in San Diego and it was all planned by Lilly! She picked where she wanted to go, helped plan our activities for each day, and even chose most of our restaurants (so we had LOTS of Mexican food). In addition to having fun on the outings, she also did amazingly well hanging at the Airbnb, as well as visiting with some friends while we were in town (will share in stories).

I’m pretty sure that was my favorite San Diego trip ever and I can’t wait to plan another vacation with Lillybug soon! Maybe we will even let her Daddy come with us next time 😂

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#Autistic #Nonspeaking #AACDevice #SanDiego by @lillysvoice