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While I really enjoyed this film, I think there are some things that could have been done better.  The film follows the development of the first English language dictionary, and follows two characters played by Sean Penn and Mel Gibson.  Sean Penn represents the 'genius-crazy guy' trope, which is probably the most problematic aspect of the movie.  Still, it offers an alternative to institution for those with mental health issues, as it implies that it was working on the dictionary that kept Sean Penn's character alive.

The movie seems dated in that aspect- like something from maybe 15 years ago- Sean Penn's character is still fetishized as an 'insane genius', and not much is said as to the historicity of this story (I'm still unsure of how true most of it is!)

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To be honest, I really hated this book!  The ending just drives me up the wall- and I don't even like romance stories!

I have to spoil it here, but it tells the story of a rich man who was in a car crash and is in a wheelchair as a paraplegic afterwards. The movie ends with Will voluntarily euthanizing himself.  Not only is this the worst ending for a love story, but it is implying that disabled people live a lower quality of life.  Voluntary euthanasia is a complicated topic, but during this course I've actually had the chance to read a bit about it- most disability rights groups oppose it in our current health care climate.

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Bauby at times feels completely isolated, while other times he really does have much support around him to enable him to communicate.

There is a horrifying scene in the book where Bauby is alone and without a nurse around- the machine attached to him is beeping constantly, he is covered in sweat and feeling uncomfortable, and has no one to reach out to about it.

However, when surrounded by his friends, family, and support staff, Bauby is empowered to share his experience with others. No one can truly live alone, even if they are able-bodied.

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Despite being unable to move or speak, Bauby has a rich life of experiences, memories, feelings of pride and shame, regret, and even hope.  He is massively determined and courageous enough to confront the grim circumstances around him.

Some of the more powerful chapters in the book are memories and dreams, which are gifted to all of us in this life. Bauby's ability to live a meaningful and productive life isn't something that can be taken away.

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Bauby wouldn't have been able to get as far as he did without his speech therapist, doctors, nurses and OTs- not to mention his connections in his personal and professional life.

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Bauby was able to call upon others for assistance when needed.  Beyond that, in the section 'Vegetable,' Bauby corrected people in his life who had 'mislabelled' him (if we can call it that).

What are some ways that we can develop a society where people's individuality is respected? What are some roadblocks that prevent us from doing so?

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Sandrine is Bauby's SLP in the book, who goes to great lengths to help Babuy use AT (a French alphabet card) to communicate.  There was a lot of buy-in and willingness on Bauby's part to use this system as well.

Services continued for the rest of the book (and for Bauby's life) and some progress towards vocalisation was made eventually as Bauby regained the ability to hum.

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Claude was Bauby's interpreter, who took dictation from Bauby during the book's writing.  She also had to learn the alphabet card communication system herself, as she was the one implementing it.  An interpreter of this kind should certainly be appreciated if only for her great patience during the interpreting process- a resource not all nonverbal immobile persons have.

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This may not be an example of AT/AAC, but it is an emotional support to note- Bauby has phone calls and visits from his friends and family often. These times really helped to contrast the times when he was alone- and therefore, unable to communicate his needs.