Augmentive and Alternative Communication (AAC) is all types of communication other than speaking.  AAC is a set of communication systems that help individuals can communicate without having physical speech. AAC is for individuals of all ages with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, apraxia, and ALS that affect their ability to speak.  Augmentative = to add to someone’s speech  Alternative = to be used instead of speech  There are two types of AAC. Low-tech AAC is a type of AAC that provides physical communication features. Examples: communication chart/board, written communication, drawing, sign language, nonverbal communication High-tech AAC is a type of AAC that provides digital communication features. Examples: iPad, a text-to-speech app, texting, emailing, AAC-based communication device.  I am a person living with cerebral palsy which left me unable to speak. I use my iPad with a text-based AAC app called Proloquo4text (high-tech AAC tool) to communicate...

My monthly diary, a compilation of my meaningful experiences from the past month, will be published on my blog on the first day of each month. Occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, the monthly diary may be delayed by a day or two. Let’s delve into my new monthly diary for September 2025, which was set in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.   My Remote Job Was Achieved  Friday, September 5 - I found out that there is something big coming at Metzcor. I am so excited to announce that I accepted the job offer from Metzcor. I will be working as a blog intern for Metzcor's CorMission which is a nonprofit organization that dedicated to providing community inclusion and job opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. They have a T-shirt printing company, a coffee shop, special events, and recreational programs. It's a flexible remote position. I finally achieved my goal of getting a remote job!! I have been fighting hard for about three years to get a remote j...

Hi, everyone! I am Marisa Conners, and I write this blog that focuses on my life with cerebral palsy. I am sharing five biggest misconceptions I've ever learned as a person with cerebral palsy. I am living with cerebral palsy... I am NOT Fragile!! Due to my cerebral palsy, I cannot speak but that does not mean I have nothing to say. I speak using my iPad. I want you to know that my cerebral palsy never affects my mind at all.... I have an amazing mind. I have overcame physical obstacles. I can do anything I set my mind to. I never let cerebral palsy stop me from doing what I love and following my dreams!   This is an educational blog post that helps you understand myths and truths about people living with cerebral palsy. Remember, Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition NOT a disease! It's very common!  Here are 5 biggest misconceptions I've ever learned as a person with cerebral palsy. 1. I Cannot Communicate At All Myth: People often assume that because I am nonverbal, I h...

Travel  Diary is a personalized and comprehensive diary designed to document my travel experiences, adventures, and reflections. It also captures places, memories, connections, and discoveries that make my travels unforgettable and memorable. The diary addresses how every place is accessible or inaccessible during my travels. I am a physically disabled traveler and I use a foldable wheelchair. I can walk with assistance and transfer to any seated positions from my wheelchair. In this travel diary, I aim to educate readers including those with disabilities about the accessibility and inclusivity of travel. It emphasizes the importance of researching destinations, creating personalized itinerary, and booking travel arrangements such as flights, hotels, and dining reservations. I assure that the trip will be unique, unforgettable, fun, meaningful, and memorable.   Travel Diary serves as an alternative version of Weekly Diary which describes my experiences and reflections on past ...

If you missed reading my story about birth and early childhood, you should read " My Story: Living with Cerebral Palsy, Part I: Birth and Early Childhood ". I am sharing the second part of my story with all of you. The second part of my story addresses how I navigated my school years with cerebral palsy. I attended the Perlman Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for preschool. The Perlman Center provides children with cerebral palsy and other physical conditions that can help them live full life. They also support adults with cerebral palsy and other physical conditions. They have great programs such as preschool education, assistive technology, and supportive therapy. I loved the preschool program. I enjoyed spending time with my classmates. I learned to read at age 3 and spell at age 5. I encountered an elderly pediatrician and volunteer, Dr. Peerless during my preschool years. He would walk in and sit with me each and every time. We headed to my house for dinner. I re...