I interviewed Keith at his middle school for this article. Keith used core vocabulary and special fringe vocabulary pages to answer questions and complete statements.

Keith is my AAC Hero!

Leslie Anido, Blackford Elementary School

My name is Keith Kingston. I live with my Mom and Dad in San Jose, California. I am in the 7th grade at Rogers Middle School. I am a great soccer player! I play on a wheelchair soccer team called the San Jose Steamrollers. If I had lots of money, I would get a dog that helps me at soccer like AirBud.

I really like NASCAR. I have a hat, picture and banner signed by Jeff Gordon. I am also a San Jose Sharks fan. I like to wear hats and shirts from all kinds of sports. I also like to go fishing, but I have never caught a fish.

I am a friendly guy. I like to join in fun and games with the staff at school and with my friends. My Vantage makes it easier to talk to my friends and do my schoolwork. I use both core vocabulary and special pages for talking and for work. I have other friends at school that use AAC devices. We talk, work, and “hang-out” together everyday at school.

I got my first communication device in kindergarten. When I started going to Bridge School in Hillsborough, CA, theytaught me to use a Vanguard. They really helped me learn how to use my communication device. In 4th grade I moved back to Blackford Elementary School where I started using the Vantage that I still have. I can now talk and drive at the same time!

One of my favorite things to do is to go to the Bridge School Concert every year. I get to sit up on stage and “drum” with all the great music stars. They are all very nice and like the way I help “keep the beat.”

I went to Building Bridges Camp one summer along with my best friend, Billy. We had fun, but I did not want to go back. I like sleeping in my own bed!