Chad Visits the Social Security Office: Using AAC in the Community

A few weeks ago Kelly Roberts took her 18 year old son with autism, Chad, to the social security office.  Chad has a history of difficulty in unfamiliar community places.  He has difficulty waiting and can  have disruptive and aggressive behaviors if upset by the setting.  Kelly and Chad had a very successful visit thanks to his new found ability to "complain" using his Dynavox V, instead of acting out behaviorally.  Kelly took a minute to share her experience with us in the following video:

Kelly talks about Chad's visit to the Social Security Office

Our Dynavox Sales Representative, Ron Steinberg, came through in a pinch with a loaner V (Dynavox, dynamic display device) for Adina's patient, Ryan, when his V had to go for repairs right before a big vacation. Adina and Ron worked out the loan and Ryan and his family sent us this wonderful thank you note after the fact. I think it is gratifying to hear how much having a voice means to our friends!

"The most precious time was when we were in a Red Lobster in Tennessee and the wait staff was all gathered around Ryan as he told them his name, the names of his siblings and pet, where he lives and of course our home phone number!!  He then made them laugh by telling them that he wears underwear!!  They got such a kick out of talking to him and were simply amazed by the technology available today!  I felt he really impacted those 4 people at the restaurant, they were so appreciative that we allowed  him to talk to them and that we explained the device." Krista Elema, 1/5/2010