Book excerpt: Whether you are new to the augmentative and alternative (AAC) community or have been an active member for years, this collection of stories will help complete your understanding of how and why people are so passionately in support of access to communication. Every day people share how they were affected by the loss of communication (personally or professionally) and how this dramatically shifted their focus and dedication. Their individual stories offer an intimate look at career paths, language system creation, software development, research, resources, and lived-experience, as they relate to and have shaped the growth and progress of AAC. Their collective voices come together to inspire you to discover your personal potential and become more active in this global community.