Ailsa Adams interviewed Craig Grant about his experiences of growing up with cerebral palsy and how he came to use powered AAC* as an adult. They discussed life at school, learning, and how access to technology changed Craig’s life.
About Us
Ailsa: “I am a Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical AAC Specialist working for Smartbox, supporting people throughout Scotland. I have worked within the field of AAC for over 14 years.”
Craig: “My name is Craig Grant. I live in Airdrie with my mum and my dad. I have cerebral palsy due to an accident at birth. I am 34 years old. I shared my journey through life regarding the difficulties with communication and particularly how society can judge people with a disability when they struggle to have a voice and be heard.”
Growing Up
Craig spent some time describing what it was like to grow up having limited access to AAC. The devices he did manage to trial were often slow and regularly broke down. He relied on familiar people to support his communication. This affected his ability to evidence his learning throughout his school career.
Craig: “After leaving school we searched endlessly for opportunities to continue learning but there was so little available for me. There was a college course I tried briefly on basic learning skills, but it wasn’t suitable for me. Adjusting to life after school was really difficult and frustrating for me and my family. The many years of routine and structure to everyday life had gone and we were constantly looking for new opportunities and purpose to my daily life. In truth I felt very isolated and really was not mixing outside my close family circle. I struggled with hearing how others were moving on to new exciting chapters in their life and I felt left behind.”
Accessing AAC as an Adult
Craig was referred to his local Adult SLT Team for a standard review of his swallowing however when we first met it became clear that Craig had the potential to communicate with a much wider network of people if he had access to the right technology.
Craig: “When Ailsa was first introduced to me, I felt an immediate connection, and this opened up a whole new world for me. She understood my situation and was full of positivity of how a communication device would benefit me in my life. She began the process of an assessment with Smartbox and the funding application. Shortly after Graham from Smartbox came to see me and immediately we became friends. I was so excited to use the device, and he quickly realised I was really fast at using the scanning switch. I’m not sure how long I waited to receive mine, but it was certainly less than six months. I was thrilled for the possibility to be involved in social media like everyone else and be able to communicate and finally have a voice.”
Language Unleashed
Craig now has access to Social Media, text messaging, face to face communication, and so much more, through his AAC device. He has reconnected with old friends, made new friends, and has used his device to give speeches and presentations at a range of schools, conferences and events.
Craig: “Earlier this year I was approached by a member of social care department to invite me to share my journey within the care provision. I prepared a presentation of my personal experience and attended a social care roadshow. I was able to explain the difficulties in firstly having to accept receiving care and the pros and cons within my care provider.
I was overwhelmed with the feedback. I got several emails quoting I had raised many valid points and issues some hadn’t been aware of. My story was received with understanding and hopefully some changes going forward for certain circumstances.”
Accessing work opportunities
Craig has been volunteering with his local Autism Support charity for the past two years and has made a tremendous difference to the children and young people that are supported there.
Craig: “I help coach football every Wednesday night to children with autism. The kids are amazing and mostly accepted my involvement pretty quickly.”
“I feel really blessed to be involved with such a fantastic group. It’s so rewarding to be a part of such a worthwhile organisation in my community.”
Advice for others
Craig shared some advice that he hopes that parents and other people with Cerebral Palsy can benefit from:
Craig: “There are a few important points I would like to share for anyone living with cerebral palsy or working with someone with a disability. Throughout my life there was so much focus on all the things I couldn’t do when dealing with professionals and that negativity was upsetting and could pull my spirits down. So, positivity is key to believing in yourself and try to focus on what you can do and not what you can’t. If you come across a good support network who will encourage you to living a more fulfilling and better life make sure you keep that contact up. Never give up even when times are really difficult and frustrating. I’ve had moments when I’ve reached a real low and think why me. But I always find a way to bounce back, and I suppose this is just life in general.
I really hope my story was meaningful and it shows how technology has improved and come so far in recent years. I would like to thank everyone for listening to me and Ailsa who has made it possible for me to share my experiences and have a voice.”
