On April 5, 2006 a PRC Vantage Plus was awarded to Tyler Johnston. Tyler is the son of Daryle and Melanie Johnston of Newton Falls. Tyler is a 13-year-old student at Newton Falls Middle School.  Tyler has autism and is unable to communicate verbally.  He needs a communication device that will allow him to spontaneously communicate wants, needs, opinions, and desires. Melanie Johnston, Tyler’s mom, indicated they have been waiting eight years for a communication device for Tyler.

The assistive technology team from the Trumbull County Educational Service Center looked at five different communication devices for Tyler and chose the Vantage Plus because it has a stable and predictable core of vocabulary that would allow him to communicate in any situation. Goals for using the device include indicating pain and discomfort, relaying identifying information, and participating in games, conversations, and all activities to share his feelings, ideas, and opinions with all the people in his life.