Austin’s Ink

People have been asking about my keyboard tattoo, so I thought I’d share the story behind it.

The idea didn’t come from Pinterest or a tattoo trend. It came from a problem.

One day we were at a restaurant when Hunter’s communication device died. Suddenly, his voice was gone.

I asked for a pen and paper and started writing the alphabet because I had seen him spell on an alphabet board at school. Hunter looked at it, flipped the paper over, and started drawing a QWERTY keyboard instead.

That made perfect sense.

This year he had been learning to type using Proloquo4Text, so a keyboard was far more natural for him than an alphabet board. Once he finished drawing it, he used it to tell me exactly what he wanted to eat.

That moment changed everything.

Hunter communicates in many different ways. He uses Proloquo2Go, Proloquo4Text, gestures, and some ASL. Sign language has been incredibly valuable, but because autism can affect fine motor skills, some signs are difficult or impossible for him to produce consistently.

Like every AAC user, he also faces barriers with technology. Devices run out of battery. They can’t go in the water. They aren’t always practical at movie theatres, splash pads, pools, beaches, or other places where carrying an expensive device just isn’t realistic.

That’s when I realized something important:

If communication only exists when technology is available, then communication isn’t truly accessible.

Accessibility means having options.

We used to make water proof communication boards, but we both would forget them.

So, the next logical option was to get a permanent keyboard on my arm.

Now, Hunter always has a way to communicate with me, no matter where we are. Whether we’re swimming, hiking, at a restaurant, or if technology fails us again, his words are never completely out of reach.

I shared this idea because I hope it helps someone else. If one parent sees this and realizes there’s another way to support their child, then this tattoo has already done far more than decorate my arm.

I’ve had so many messages from families, therapists, educators, and AAC users saying they want something similar, and that honestly means the world to me. My hope is that this simple idea changes lives the way it changed ours.

I’m also working on temporary keyboard tattoos and AAC symbol tattoos so more families can have an affordable, accessible option without committing to permanent ink. I’ll share the link as soon as they’re available!

And finally, I have to give the biggest thank you to the artist .gh.tattoo who took a simple keyboard idea and turned it into something so meaningful. She thoughtfully added “I love you,” “yes,” “no,” and the little emotional touches that make it uniquely ours. Thank you for seeing the vision and bringing it to life. ❤️ also, a huge shout out to Brent at Main St Tattoo Co for connecting me with Farnaz, and for offering a very generous discount. I don’t think I will ever be able to express my gratitude, or the impact that you both have made on our lives, and the millions of people who have seen it.

This tattoo isn’t about ink.

It’s about making sure my son’s voice is never out of reach. 🫶🏻❤️