Around the
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Why attend PEC?
by Jennifer Lowe
The Pittsburgh Employment Conference (PEC) has served to accomplish several goals, over its 19 years, to augmented communicators. Attending this conference has been a chance for augmented communicators to be around others who rely on AAC. This has been has been exciting and comforting. PEC is a chance for an individual who relies on a AAC systems to have a voice without feeling like a minority. This conference has been where others met mentors. It’s been a place for us to feel free to discuss those sensitive issues that have been weighing on their mind. That has been why it’s an immense success!
The primary goal of the conference has been an opportunity to network to find employment! Since it started, approximately 1/3 of the attendees found gainful employment! Employment didn’t always mean for lucrative pay. The individuals, who have been participating, have found a volunteer job which has made a significant impact on their self-esteem. As The Executive Director of SHOUT, I have been extremely proud of that result!
This photo shows one of several panel discussions on a topic of importance.
The second goal of Pittsburgh Employment Conference has been a forum where people who don’t have the luxury of expressing their opinion daily, can open up. That may be the most important component of this conference. One of the most significant items on the agenda is the Town Hall meeting. This event has been electric, because no talking attendees take the floor; only augmented communicators!The third component of PEC is the thought provoking theme! A few years ago, its theme was Sexuality & Marriage. Before this, able bodied people and clinical people assumed that non-speaking people didn’t desire sex, marriage or to have a family. Yes, this theme caused controversy. However, this was a liberating theme for the majority of the participants. This year, the theme chosen for the conference was Loneliness and Depression. Once again, ever since this theme was announced, there has been controversy. SHOUT interpreted that as a sign that the right theme was chosen.
Remember, participants may focus their presentation on the theme OR employment issues. The overall impression is a snapshot of real life. We’ve had spicy themes that have shown the individuality of our participants. This year will not be different. If you’re among those who are not sparked by the theme, I urge you not to rule out attending. There will be plenty of talk about employment too!
Saturday’s town hall meeting always gets people sharing their opinions.
The fourth component of this important conference has been that it’s a place to meet mentors. Augmented communicators haven’t always been visible. Therefore, finding a mentor can be difficult. PEC is the only place to meet so many individuals facing the challenge of living in a world that finds it’s easy to ignore people who cannot speak. What an impact!
Kids enjoy PEC too! What better place to be getting ready for the world?
As The Executive Director of SHOUT, I believe in the significance of the Pittsburgh Employment Conference. This conference has been a forum for people who rely on AAC to express their opinion. Common for many; liberating for us! I’m proud to be involved with an organization that has realized a need and provided the forum!
The talking doesn’t stop during breaks and friends have time to catch up with each other.
See you at Station Square in Pittsburgh this August!
Your feedback is always valued. AACConsumerNet@aacinstitute.org.
