Beyondthelabel

Make a difference by raising awareness

Here at Beyond the Label, our mission is to Empower, Encourage, and Inspire the world to recognize and listen to ALL the beautiful ways that people communicate. Labels can stop us from telling our stories. Labels invite others to jump in and write our stories for us. Being Beyond the Label means your story is yours to tell, without preconceived notions of who you are getting in the way. Through focusing on diverse communication styles: sign language, AAC, Braille, facial expressions, sounds, music, and even dance, we support whatever method you use to shine your light and share your story with the world. No matter who you are: We’re ready to listen. Proceeds from BeyondthelabelZ sales, including the original FidgetPocket designs, go to Beyond the Label’s nonprofit, which supports families, communities and businesses in advancing and improving communication opportunities beginning with, but not limited to, AAC.

Overall the global community does a poor job at recognizing the needs of people with communication differences. Communication barriers can prevent nonverbal communicators from enjoying and participating in activities such as fashion, music, shopping, etc. despite the fact that these experiences are essential to happiness. AAC (Alternative Augmentative Communication) is means for people of all ages to communicate if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech and Alternative means to be used instead of speech. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can’t talk.

Making friends and participating in school can be difficult for individuals with communication deficits. Their struggle to interact with peers can cause poor self-esteem and even lead to a life of exclusion and loneliness.

Non verbal communicators preferences are often taken for granted and intentions are second-guessed. This results in them not having agency and a sense of control. Limited ability to speak can prevent individuals from leading fulfilling lives and from realizing their full potential. AAC, ASL and Braille give individuals with communication challenges a means to express their thoughts, ideas, observations and perspectives. It is our goal to impact families on a fundamental level.

The Non-Profit branch of Beyond the Label provides funding for support of communication needs in families and communities globally!