The creator of this website, Alexandria L., was first introduced to the world of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users and individuals with complex communication needs in the fall of 2024, during her first semester at San Francisco State University. As part of her academic work, she conducted an interview with a parent of an adult AAC user, who shared her journey as both an immigrant and as a single mother navigating her child’s diverse needs in order to ensure a better quality of life.
This parent became proficient in both English as a second language and American Sign Language (ASL) while trying to learn how to model through her son's AAC device to communicate effectively with her child. Despite overcoming many obstacles for child's education and serving as tireless advocate for her son, her greatest barrier is one she cannot prevent--her death. Her greatest fear when she passes away is leaving her child without anyone to provide care or advocate for. When asked about available services she could turn to, she disclosed that there were none in her area, nor were any mandated by law.
The website's creator was deeply struck by the systemic gap in support, especially upon learning that many services for neurodivergent individuals end when they reach the age of 22. It was also distressing to realize the harsh reality faced by many parents who must grapple with the knowledge that there are no legal guarantees ensuring ongoing care and protection for their children after their deaths.
After researching about this area of concern, it was confirmed that there is a troubling lack of accessible information for parents seeking to develop life plans for their neurodivergent children. This realization sparked the creation of a website in an effort to consolidate resources, tools, and comprehensive information into a single, user-friendly platform. The ultimate goal of this website is to offer a foundational template that larger organizations could adopt and expand upon, ultimately making this critical information more widely available to the public.