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Joey Cerrito
 Joey is 10 years old. He lives with his parents, and brother Danny. He is mainstreamed and attends 4th grade and has a paraprofessional aide to assist him in the classroom. Joey uses a 45-location Vantage for his communication.
Joey's greatest strength is his knack to figure out "technical" stuff. He is a whiz at maneuvering on a computer. I think his ability is in part because he is not afraid to explore and try things to figure out how they work. There are countless stories of him fixing someone's computer, or finding a function on a cell phone no one knew it had, etc.
Joey's biggest challenge is his limited verbal skills. He was virtually non-verbal in kindergarten and has now progressed to the point that he has some language skills, though still difficult for a stranger to understand. He has used an augmentative communication device since he was five, and started with his current device, Vantage, when he was seven. He uses his device for all of his school work (answering questions, verbal reports, writing) and as a supplement to his social verbal communications. He also uses his device for the daily pledge of allegiance (which he has lead the entire school through over the intercom), prayers, and singing. His device opened the door to allow Joey to communicate with others. His verbal skills have improved, his academic level has improved, and his social interactions have improved.
He is also in the process of getting a Vantage Plus on which he will move to the 84-picture screen. We expect improvements across the board (academically, verbally, socially) as Joey will have an enhanced tool to communicate and expand his skills.
The device is key to Joey accomplishing his goals. First of all, the use of the device actually promotes his verbal skills. Secondly, the ability to write has helped him express himself and participate in school-based learning, but most importantly allowing him to showcase himself. His stories/work are a reflection of his personality that allows others to get to know him in a way they couldn't when he had no mechanism to communicate with them. Additionally, the enhanced features on the Vantage Plus are a perfect fit for Joey. The increased vocabulary, 84 picture screen, and USB memory devices are all going to help him take that next step up in his communications.
Joey is a hero and an inspiration to all who touch his life. He is a happy soul - a walking ray of sunshine. He works hard - at school and therapies - to be the best he can be. He has embraced his device. He calls it “Kit,” after his favorite voice on the device. He got his class and teachers to vote on their favorite voice. Kit didn't win, but Joey refused to change it because he loved Kit the best. He demonstrates to the kids how his device works. The teacher allowed him to stand in front of the class and with the aide of an overhead projector, Joey fielded questions – “How do you say milk?”, “How do you do spelling, etc.”, etc. This remarkable 10-year-old had gone from being non-verbal as a pre-schooler to answering questions in class, writing his own stories, making his own cards. Joey, with help from Kit, has learned to participate in our world, which is full of difficulties and distractions for him. Joey is a hero because he has overcome obstacles to learn to communicate not just his wants, but also his ideas!
A Word from Joey (Mom’s notes are in italics)
My name is Joey. Cerrito. I have a brother name Danny. I am in fourth grade. I am 10year s old
What do you like to do? I like to make the alarm clock and clock go off.
I am good on kit Vantage. (Joey calls his Vantage Kit after his favorite voice on the device.) It is hard for me about the sounds. (Loud or white noise sounds are distracting for Joey.)
I use my Vantage at school to talk with my friends and to do my work. I play baseball and swimming. I go Chatterboxes . It is when I go places with my Sydney and Ramona and Sam. Chatterboxes is a social club of ACC device users who meet monthly in fun events to promote their communication.
I am in ASU camp. We do a play. Joey participates in the Arizona State University Summer Drama Camp where kids who use devices put on a play.
Joey attends Sonoran Sky elementary and is mainstreamed in the 4th grade. He has a dedicated aide that facilitates his participation and learning. He has used an AAC device since he was five years old. He began using the Vantage when he was seven years old. He calls this device “Kit” after his favorite voice. The Vantage has promoted all of his communication skills both with the device, writing, and even verbally. He recently was given his own computer at home. He can connect his device, write his own stories and add pictures independently. He also got print software so he is making his own cards. He is very excited to be an Ambassador and share with everyone why he loves Kit so much!
Submitted by Joey’s mom, Diana Cerrito
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