Communicating in a Different Way
What Lauren Did
For her Gold Award Take Action project, Lauren focused on providing more neurodiverse acknowledgement and support to her community through making Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options available through the Troy Public Library.
These include communication devices, systems, strategies, and tools that replace or support natural speech.
Lauren first project was creating a core board, that focused on the youth and adult departments and common places in the library. This low-tech option uses vocabulary boards for easier interaction between patrons, staff, and bookshelves.
“All individuals deserve a quality experience in the library so they can enjoy all its benefits as a fundamental part of our community,” Lauren believes.
Continue to Communicate
Lauren worked to develop a more robust neurodiverse section for the library. She reviewed and donated neuro-affirming books to the library’s collection. Lauren also provided items like fidgets, wobble cushions, weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones and more for patrons to check out and try at home.
She created an educational website explaining AAC and neurodiversity. Her project was mentored by library staff, expert speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
The Troy Public Library is using the resources to train staff in neurodiversity and neuro-affirming practices. Librarians will also be able to make informed recommendations for neuro-affirming books based on Lauren’s reviews posted on the website.
What She Learned
Lauren takes pride in advocating for others and is passionate about making a positive difference in the world. This project allowed her to do that in a meaningful, worthwhile, and sustainable way.
Along her Take Action journey, she realized that determination, patience, empathy, and collaboration are the keys to success and leadership.
Special Recognition
Her Take Action project caught the notice of WDIV’s Priya Mann, who interviewed the Gold Award Girl Scout, as well as the Troy Times newspaper.
Find Out More
Check out Lauren on the GSSEM YouTube page talking about her Take Action project and being a Gold Awards Girl Scout.
Lauren is a part of the Troy High School Class of 2026 in Troy, MI. She is a Juliette Girl Scout.
