About Tommy

Tommy has challenges. Some of these challenges are fairly common. Tommy, who was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome, is nine years old and displays some cognitive delays. But some of Tommy's challenges are unique. His parents emigrated from Russia and Russian is still the primary language in the home. Tommy was born in the USA , however, he spent some of his early years in Russia before returning to the United States.

Tommy also has gifts. He loves to read and have others read to him. He likes to help out at home and in school. He enjoys helping his Mom by cooking, cleaning and playing with his younger sister.

Tommy has good receptive language skills and some speech. He can articulate single words with some intelligibility but is unable to clearly articulate phrases or sentences. (His intelligibility is complicated by the fact that he sometimes uses English words and at other times may be speaking Russian.) Tommy's family includes his parents, a younger sister and an older sister. (His younger sister is intrigued with Tommy's Vantage so there has been some sibling rivalry about who gets to use the device at home.)

Tommy and AAC

In 2003, a Vantage communication aid was recommended as the most appropriate communication device for Tommy. His evaluation was completed through the school district and funded through the Ohio Assistive Technology Infusion Program.

Tommy uses direct selection to access his Vantage and is working with the sequenced version of Unity® 45 vocabulary software that is pre-programmed into the device. His SLP decided to begin with the full sequenced vocabulary after a consultation with the PRC Regional Consultant. Tommy's receptive language ability was one of theindicators that he could be an independent communicator.

"We started with full Unity Enhanced and he has done very well," according to Heather Kabler Ball, his SLP at Fouse Elementary. "We want him to go to a level where he would be able to build novel sentences and novel phrases and responses." Tommy's Unity vocabulary program has been customized primarily to add family members, friends and teachers. This customization was done using both the Activity Row and some pages. "I would not say at this point we have to expand it as far as the academics but we are adding things that are personalized to him," Heather explained.