Maya Finds Her Voice

This video shows (a simplified version) of my daughter's progression towards communication. Answers to FAQ: The first app that you see is called Proloquo2Go, running on an iPad in the Otterbox Defender case. The communication boards and picture cards for the Word Book were created using BoardMaker software. The final app that you see, the one that we still currently use, is called Speak for Yourself and is running on an iPad in the AMDi iAdapter case (later footage includes the plastic keyguard that helps her not hit other buttons accidentally).
Our whole story doesn't fit in a 10 minute video, we also used sign language, labeled household objects with pictures, used a modified glove before we had a keyguard, and studied the work of many experts in the field of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) as we went.
We are still a work in progress.
If you are a parent who is trying to figure out how to start the AAC process with your child, check out this link: niederfamily.bl...
For more information about our assistive tech journey, come visit us here: niederfamily.bl...
Contact: [e-mail] or @UncommonBlogger (twitter)

[@lilysilchuk1635]

Wow! her reaction the the iPad the first time was perfect!

[@jessicavargas7044]

Thank you for sharing! I'm crying! As a special educator, parent and diagnostician, this documentary of your daughter's progress is amazing. I will be sharing with our department! I can't wait!!!! Go Maya!!!! Keep us updated!

[@momofmcf6966]

Stunning, in the best possible way. So helpful how you showed the progress in stages. My son doesn't have the hand-eye coordination to hit squares that small but it's inspiring to see it done. Bravo Mom!!

[@colleenbrown6359]

You're an absolutely amazing parent and advocate! Good for you for following what you knew was true. This makes my heart so happy.

[@superflozzie]

Thank you so much for sharing the fantastic videos on youtube. I am a speech therapist and I find it very helpful to show teachers examples of what can happen when we believe in the children's potential!

[@helpmetalk4233]

I think this is so impressive! I love how much you have preserved and moved things forward as a warrior Mum and Maya has absolutely thrived. Its heartbreaking to think about how many children can miss out on communication opportunities and the option to find their voice using AAC. My daughter is almost 4 and we have been using PODD for the last few months (alongside signing and verbal attempts). xx

[@otomodachifan]

She is such a smart kid!

[@aliannajadebrownlouveauclo5667]

Maya 🌹 cash 4

[@donnasnyder1956]

I LOVE your story! I am working on my doctorate and will focus on changing the attitudes and expectations from classroom assistants and teachers working with very young children with communication challenges. I strongly believe that we need to start young and push hard....but, to do that I think showing those professionals "success stories" to break all the "myths" about being too young and can't doing....we need to provide children with "all" time communication...not here and there ...but all the time...and to do that we need to help assistants and teachers understand the importance of their roles! I'd love to get in contact with you!

[@plaxedessadziwa3126]

Well done to you both. I am so impressed. We are just beginning our journey into using AAC. I am so encouraged, haven't had much support with communication techniques and methods and my daughter is almost 5 years old. She can say some words and her understanding is quite good. She can follow simple instructions and has a 1 to 1 teacher in a mainstream school. She likes school and copes well with the routines and the other children. She is very interested in tablets and computers so I am sure that this tool will help her too. Please let me know what the app is called. Thank you for sharing Maya's story and journey, it really encouraged me and I will not give up.

[@NubianP6]

Plaxedes Sadziwa You’ll find the answers to your (and other) questions in the drop box up above, but the 1st app is called: “Proloquo2Go”, and the second app is called: “Speak For Yourself”. 😊

[@allykatblue]

It's great to see you taking the initiative with AAC. It's hard for many parents I work with to accept the idea, but it's so great that you have seen what it can do for your daughter!

[@allykatblue]

allykatblue what you have done for your daughter is amazing! I wish I could have a conversation with her! I am keen to know what she was planning to buy at the the Disney store LOL!

[@Uniqueic3cream]

Seems like she's doing pretty well, using speech when she can, and knowing when she should use the app. And she doesn't seem to get frustrated about speaking, which is good.

[@vanessag.paschoaferraz4594]

Hello. I want access this app. How can I get?

[@Talkofthetownspeech]

What a wonderful and inspiring journey! Maya is very lucky to have such a smart, intuitive mom who believes in her!

[@jennie5732]

💛

[@amandaelliott1774]

How. Old is maya your. Daughter

[@ThaoHuynh-vf3yx]

Wonderful. I admire so much!

[@Musicradio77Network]

The voice in Proloquo2Go is Nelly, it sounds like Ivy, and the voice can be seen in some GoAnimate videos.

[@sandradjordjevic5906]

Sounds good to me too🥳