It's hard to believe that one year ago today I filed the paperwork to begin Building AAC! I was nervous, eager, and so hopeful that I would be able to help at least one or two people in my area. I am so proud of all that I've done this year. I've helped to acquire new communication devices through insurance, helped families decide on what communication app to purchase, aided clients, families, and school districts with better device implementation, I spoke at my first national conference (ATIA-and slept on my first airport floor), have presented for DPI, participated in my first podcast, and have offered professional learning for many school districts. I've helped to build and grow the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Regional Network (WATRN) into a thriving professional learning network throughout the state of Wisconsin, and have met so many great individuals who use AAC and their families through my work with the AAC Chat Club.
The biggest learning curve of all has been learning how to build and manage a website and run a small business! I never received any "business" training in school, so it's been one of the most challenging parts of this journey, especially since I'm considered a part of the healthcare industry and have to follow HIPPA!
I would not have been able to do it all without the help of my amazing family. They've sacrificed so much to make this crazy idea of mine such a success. I've been so fortunate to have my husband, our extended family and friends help out with the girls when I've been busy working or as my husband says, "having fun!"
I'd also like to thank everyone who has assisted in making connections and helped others to find their way to Building AAC so that we can "Build Better Communication" throughout the state of Wisconsin and the Green Bay area. I am forever grateful to all of you! Fittingly, Building AAC received it's 200th Facebook "like" this week. It may not seem like a lot to some, but over the past year I have enjoyed receiving that notification that one more person might find some value in my ideas and experiences.
I'm so excited to see what the next year holds!
Thank you for all of your support!
Jennifer Schubring