Eight-year-old Brodie Speelman was awarded a SpringBoard through the 40 for 40 program. Brodie has a complex disorder called Opitz Syndrome, which was not diagnosed until he was three years old.

The wide-eyed, inquisitive second-grader, attends multiple disabilities support classes at Carmichaels Elementary School. He often uses a form of sign language to communicate his needs. Brodie’ mother, Dawn Speelman said it has been unbearable not having him able to communicate. The SpringBoard will now be Bordie’s voice. "He will be able to communicate his wants and needs and anything else," she said.

Excerpts from the Observer-Reporter are included in the story above. The Observer-Reporter is an online edition of a daily newspaper covering Washington and Greene counties in southwest Pennsylvania.