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How I Communicate

An excerpt from a communication portfolio written by Ashley's mom...

(Available: http://ashleysmom.com/ashleys_portfolio.htm)

Because of the stroke I had when I was two and a half years old following open heart surgery, I cannot speak very well. Even though I am 14 years old, I am still learning how to talk. I cannot say long sentences but sometimes use one word to express many. And sometimes I make sounds that are words to me but may be difficult for others to understand. It is very frustrating. If you can't understand what I am saying, sometimes I will sign the word, too, and if you know sign language, you might have a better chance of knowing what I am trying to communicate. You can ask me "yes" and "no" questions, too and this will sometimes help both of us. Or, say "show me" and maybe I can communicate it that way.

Sometimes when I get really frustrated my mom knows it and puts into words what is bugging me. She'll say something like "are you mad because you wanted to play some more and I made you stop?" When she does that, I feel like I am being understood and I won't get angrier and more upset. Otherwise, I might get louder and more upset because I think you haven't "heard" me.

Ashley's Technology

(Available: http://ashleysmom.com/technology.htm)

"Ashley uses a number of types of technology which are incorporated into her education and daily life. They include some of the following:

One thing she uses is a customizable augmentative communication software application providing speech output, either synthesized (produced by the computer) or digitized (recorded). It can turn a standard Mac desktop or laptop into a communication system. Buttons on the screen can be designed to do various things, including being set to speak, change boards, launch movies, or launch other computer programs. Buttons can be comprised of text, icons, and/or digital images...

There is also a portable device Ashley also uses for communication. With up to 192 recorded messages and weighing less than 2 lbs., this can be easily carried on short outings....

Although dysgraphic, Ashley has learned to trace over the dashed text of the School Fonts with proper directionality and is now able to initiate the formation of many letters on her own...."

 

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