Get To Know Omar | Ambassador Spotlight

Get to know AAC communicator Omar Covarrubias Juárez. If you're exploring AAC options, learning about bilingual communication, or curious about the life of someone who uses AAC, Omar has valuable insights to share. He serves as a PRC-Saltillo Ambassador, one of more than 100 individuals who use AAC and share their experiences through advocacy in person and digital communication.

Omar’s Ambassador bio reflects his growth. Here’s a portion. “As my communication skills expanded, so did my ambitions. What began as learning how to express myself evolved into leadership, public speaking, advocacy, mentorship, and representing the AAC community through PRC-Saltillo. Every presentation reinforced something I believe: communication is not defined by how a voice sounds. The value of the ideas behind it defines it.”

Earlier this year, we invited Omar to test drive Unity® Español, the new Spanish vocabulary files in the Unity AAC iOS app. As an experienced bilingual communicator using an AAC communication device, he brings a unique perspective to trialing a related, but different AAC system.

We asked this recent high school graduate about his AAC journey, his thoughts on AI and communication, and what it was like to test drive Unity Español. Let’s start with our first question.

Omar, what’s your current AAC setup, and what do you like most about it?

“I use an Accent® device with Unity as my primary vocabulary system, accessed through my established motor plan. What I value most is consistency—my words are always in the same place. That stability lets me communicate faster and with less cognitive load.”

How does using your AAC device empower you?

“It gives me control over my voice in situations where I would otherwise be misunderstood or unheard. I can express thoughts, opinions, and emotions on my own terms. That independence is the core of my empowerment.”

PRC-Saltillo AAC Consultant Maria Rivera supported Omar as he was introduced to an iOS-based AAC system for this limited-time project. Here is Omar’s experience accessing Unity Español with head tracking on a Via® Pro device.

What was your first reaction when you opened the Unity app on a Via® Pro device?

“My first reaction was curiosity mixed with caution. It felt familiar in structure but different in execution. I immediately started testing how predictable it was.”

What made you trust or not trust this new-to-you AAC system?

“Trust comes from consistency and response reliability. If the system reacts the same way every time, I build confidence in it. Any lag or unexpected output breaks that trust quickly.”

What do you think about the new AI features?

“The AI features have strong potential, especially for message generation and prediction. However, they need to stay aligned with user intent, not override it. Control must always remain with the communicator.”

We asked Omar to compare his longtime Accent experience with test driving AAC on iOS.

What does the Unity AAC app do better?

“The iOS app offers portability and accessibility. It integrates into everyday technology, which lowers barriers to entry. It also opens the door for faster innovation through updates.”

What does your current AAC system do better?

“My Accent device delivers consistency, reliability, and efficient motor planning. It performs under pressure without hesitation. That makes it dependable in real communication.”

We asked Omar to think about other communicators as they explore options and get started on their AAC Journey.

What do you think other bilingual communicators will like about Unity Español?

“They’ll appreciate having Spanish more accessible on a mainstream platform. It creates more opportunities to communicate across environments. That flexibility matters for real-life use.”

What do you think other communicators will like about AAC on iOS?

“Ease of access and familiarity. Most people already understand how iOS works, so the learning curve is lower. That speeds up adoption.”

What advice would you give to someone getting started with Unity Español?

“Focus on consistency first, not speed. Build your motor patterns slowly and deliberately. The system becomes powerful only when your movements become automatic.”

Thank you, Omar, for your thoughtful feedback. We appreciate you! Learn more about Omar and send him a message through his bio on the AAC Language Lab®.

You can test drive Unity Español on your own iOS device! Take advantage of a free 30-day trial through the Unity Discover app. Plus, check out the Unity AAC Spanish playlist on our YouTube™ channel for quick how-to videos.

Curious to learn more about your AAC options as a bilingual communicator? Connect with your PRC-Saltillo AAC Consultant for suggestions across our communication devices and apps.