Dillon’s Path and Dillon’s Voice were both released by Apple in an effort to share their own Autism awareness & acceptance campaign this April. Of course, they are promoting the use of apple products as communication devices, but as a speech-language pathologist, I 100% support this (and no, I do not earn anything by sharing this with you, this is on my own, free accord as I believe the iPad is a VERY powerful tool when it comes to communicating).
I have seen how these devices can let us into the minds of children and adults who cannot communicate verbally. They help us to connect and show us that there is a person, hidden behind those eyes, just waiting for their moment to communicate with us.
Just listen to what Dillon has to say…
“All my life I wanted so badly to connect with people, but they couldn’t understand because I had no way to communicate…so many people can’t understand that I have a mind. All they see is a person who is not in control. But now you can hear me. The iPad helps me to see not just my words but to hold on to my thoughts. Having a voice has changed everything in my life. No more isolation. I can finally speak with the people that love me. I can say what I think and let them know I love them, too…”
Did anyone else get CHILLS hearing what he had to say? He is POWERFUL when he can type out what he wants to say on his iPad and have the iPad function as his voice. HOW COOL IS THIS???
The reality is, most devices out there these days are clunky and cost 10’s of thousands of dollars, which is ridiculous and who can even afford that?! While iPads seem expensive, they are the most cost effective ways to help a child find their voice when using the iPad as a communication tool. I do hope you will consider using it as a communication device with your child.
Go here to learn about iPad grants and funding to help you get your child an iPad!
Here is a bit more on Dylan’s story:
If you need help knowing how to start the process within your child’s school system, go here for a series of articles I wrote for the American Speech Hearing and Language Association (ASHA.org) on this topic: Part 1 & Part 2
It is so important to get your child what they need in school. What you do for them NOW…TODAY…will determine their ability to communicate with you and the world around them in the future. You can do this! Use the resources here to help get your child communicating.
With Love,
Hallie