Morgan has struggled with communication for most of her life. She had tried other AAC devices, but she had not found one that really fit her personality and/or abilities. Her peers would often lose patience and walk away if she tried talking with them. This really affected her motivation, and we struggled to get her to initiate conversations. When we started her on the Vantage, she blossomed. Now we have trouble keeping her quiet! It has improved her social interactions and schoolwork. She has only had the Vantage since January 2006, and she is already using complex sentences, adding plurals, even using the Icon tutor when she gets stuck!

Morgan is being mentored this year by a Pathfinder user and there are plans to have Morgan mentor younger AAC users next year. In her own words: "I love little ones." We reinforce AAC use by magically forgetting how to read sign language while she is in class. Modified sign (one-handed) was her primary means of communication, but it is very important for Morgan to continue using her voice as not everyone she encounters will understand sign, especially her version.

Morgan is always happy and optimistic. Despite a seizure disorder, poor vision, numerous surgeries and limited use of her right side, she is always upbeat and smiling. She giggles with her girlfriends and enjoys working with small children and animals. Her attitude and work ethic are infectious, and have benefited the students around her. Her motivation has skyrocketed in her classes, she loves telling jokes and singing songs for her classmates. Best of all, another AAC user in her class, who uses a SpringBoard, started talking with her. He had been very stubborn about using the device, but when he saw Morgan getting so much positive attention, he grew very motivated. They talk together independently almost every day.

Morgan loves visiting with friends and using her device to send e-mails to her mom and dad. Her favorite thing in the world is to play with her dogs. She is a caretaker and loves babies. If her friends aren't happy, she isn't. She has to know what's wrong and how to fix it. She enjoys the outdoors and running as fast as she can. Morgan is a healthy, happy teenage girl who loves to laugh loudly and often.

Submitted by Sharon Brown
Instructional Aide