Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a bold, brilliant way to communicate. When AAC communicators are visible in mainstream media, workplaces, and communities, we share it because representation means so much. We recently announced on our social channels that Camp ALEC, a camp for school-aged children using AAC, is the spotlight of the People and Places documentary series on Disney+. Releasing in July coincides with the joy and visibility of Disability Pride Month—a call to embrace every part of who you are—and for many, AAC is a powerful part of that identity.
When you view the film, you may recognize some of our friends and PRC-Saltillo ambassadors including Mateo Moreno and James Falahee. We asked Mateo and James as well as Mateo’s mom, Tina, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in AAC, to share their personal experiences about Camp ALEC and what it was like to be part of the filming process.
“Being filmed was weird at first. Actually, I didn’t like it very much. Even though the crew was very nice, I didn’t enjoy being followed around. I didn’t enjoy being recorded all the time, especially when I was trying to have private conversations but remembered too late that I was wearing a microphone. It felt a little uncomfortable, but I tried very hard to be myself. Still, it was distracting. It was a little scary to think about what they might include in the movie, but the director Christopher Stout talked with us about the process. The Camp ALEC team made sure all of the campers felt safe and worked really hard to make sure the crew didn’t wreck the week for everyone.”
“I wasn’t sure about the whole thing back then, but I’m happy with the documentary now. I like how it turned out. What you see in the movie is what Camp ALEC is really about. I am so excited it’s on Disney+. I like telling people about it. They usually don’t believe me at first, until I show them a screenshot. I think it’s really cool for kids who are learning to use AAC see kids on TV going to camp on their own, making friends, doing pranks and learning to communicate, read and write. That film is the real Camp ALEC. We’re the real campers. It’s not fake. It’s not fiction. We’re real people. And now we’re represented on Disney+.”
“When my Speech-Language Pathologist, Tina, first told me about Camp ALEC, I had no idea it would become my favorite place to be. As someone with cerebral palsy, I was used to being the only kid with a communication device in most settings. The idea of spending a week surrounded by other AAC users seemed almost too good to be true! I had no idea of the (fun) chaos that was about to ensue.
Camp ALEC was crucial in helping me develop independence in ways I never expected. For the first time, I was in an environment where using my Accent 1400 wasn't just accepted—it was celebrated. No one was pressuring us to communicate faster or differently. The activities and games, like jeopardy and scavenger hunts, all about the camp, were all designed specifically with AAC users in mind. When a camper participated, they were encouraged to use their device to say what they wanted, instead of just gesturing or taking shortcuts.
Camp ALEC showed me that I'm not alone in this journey. It proved that with the right community, support, and understanding, AAC users can achieve anything we set our minds to. The friendships, memories, and confidence I gained there continue to fuel my success today.”
“I'm thrilled to share that Camp ALEC's story is now reaching a wider audience. The camp's documentary, called "Camp ALEC," has just been released on Disney+. This film captures the magic that happens when AAC users come together in a supportive, understanding environment. It shows the world what I've experienced firsthand—that communication devices don't limit us; they empower us to connect, learn, and thrive.
I hope sharing the documentary helps others discover the incredible people in the AAC community and see the life-changing potential of this technology.”
Read James’ full article about Camp ALEC here.
“Let me start by saying that while I am co-founder of Camp ALEC since 2014 (with my friend Gina Cunningham), I stepped down as co-director last year after 10 years for personal reasons. I am still the biggest fan of Camp ALEC! It’s magical and life-changing. I could not recommend it more highly to educators seeking advanced, hands-on, intensive training in comprehensive literacy instruction or to families seeking an amazing experience for their school-age children using AAC.
People often ask how this movie came about. It all started with a chance encounter that one of our campers had at the Grand Canyon with a film director, Christopher Stout, who was on a family vacation. They chatted and Christopher learned about AAC for the first time. The camper told him about Camp ALEC. A short while later, Christopher reached out to us and asked if he could bring a crew to film at camp that summer. With the consent of the Camp ALEC team and families, Christopher brought a small film crew to camp to film for four days. They filmed everyday camp activities and interviewed campers and staff. When they arrived, they knew very little about AAC or the AAC community, but were open to learning. They consulted with us throughout the process.
The documentary made a film festival tour in 2019, winning several awards, before the world shut down. The Kennedy-Marshall Production Company signed on, then Disney purchased the film with the aim of it being a part of the People and Places series. Covid slowed everything down, as did a struggling film industry. I don’t think any of us truly believed it would actually happen. But this June, we learned that Camp ALEC would begin streaming on July 9th and we were all excited.”
“Seeing our campers in this film on Disney+ is just amazing. As an SLP specializing in AAC (at UCP of Greater Cleveland LeafBridge Alternative Education Program), I love that my students can see children like them on this platform. I love that my students can see other kids who communicate like them playing, pulling pranks, learning and having a blast – very much like any other kid who’s ever attended an overnight summer camp. The Camp ALEC documentary provides an unvarnished look at children and young adults utilizing AAC devices to communicate and assistive technology to learn, alongside educational professionals who believe in their potential. Being heard is essential. Representation matters. And community is everything.
I’m incredibly proud of every one of our campers, those who were featured in the film and those who were not. I wish the film were longer and could have captured every single one of them. I’m proud of our campers because they often go to camp, usually staying away from their parents for the first time! Like Gina said in the film, they are some of the bravest people I know. The most important aspect of Camp ALEC is the literacy portion! As a result of the leadership of Drs. Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver, we’ve watched campers learn to communicate, read and write in all kinds of wonderful ways after attending camp year after year.”
“Of course, I am so incredibly proud of Mateo. When I think about how much he’s grown since the documentary was filmed, in part because of the amazing experiences he’s had as a member of the AAC community, I’m a bit overwhelmed. He has blossomed into an extraordinary, confident, and outgoing individual, displaying impressive public speaking skills while presenting nationally at conferences, school districts and universities. One of my favorite things that he does is visit classrooms where he talks with kids about AAC, inclusion and disability. He helps peers learn how to be good communication partners to their friends who use AAC. Usually when he visits schools, there will be a student learning to use AAC who has never met an adult who communicates like them. That is so powerful! I’m incredibly proud that he’s become an AAC mentor. I love that he’s helping less experienced AAC users gain confidence and become better communicators. Because he’s sharing his story, he’s helping children learning to use AAC find their own paths and shine even brighter.”
“I’m always presenting and training on aspects of AAC for professionals and parents. But I have to be honest – Mateo does it better. When he does the talking, the message is heard in an entirely different way. I love to see how AAC users are beginning to lead the rest of the world in talking about things like inclusion, education, employment, advocacy and disability. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Mateo and all AAC users!”
Let’s celebrate these individuals, honor their experiences, and hope that this recognition sparks more spaces where individuals who use AAC can thrive.
