Andrew Bowen
Drew with his Vantage LiteLike lots of eight-year-old boys, Andrew (Drew) Bowen loves to play outside, jump on the trampoline, and take drum lessons. He has loving parents and siblings, but also has special challenges that come with having been diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. Drew's ability to communicate with others is restricted by his cognitive, social, communication, and fine motor delays.
In May 2009, Drew received his first official diagnosis from the OU (University of Oklahoma) Child Study Center. I wasn't surprised by the diagnosis of cerebral palsy, but was devastated to hear the diagnosis of mild retardation. I cried hysterically for several minutes during the consultation and then again on the drive home from Oklahoma City. While visiting with my husband during the drive home he pointed out something of high importance. He said, "We are not going to put Drew in a box with limitations. We are going to challenge him in order for him to be successful in life." This situation reminds me of the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." As a Christian, I know that nothing in life happens by chance. Drew as well as my other two children are uniquely and wonderfully made.
The OU Child Study Center strongly recommended exploration of an alternative/augmentative communication system. I explored these devices on-line through the Oklahoma ABLE Tech. My research was overwhelming due to the multitude of communication devices. I called ABLE Tech to request help. They referred Drew to the Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders located at the University of Tulsa.
Drew was evaluated by speech pathologist, Rhonda Marfechuk, for approximately two hours. During this time, Drew was able to experiment with different communication devices. Through the ABLE Tech loan program, we were able to borrow the Vantage Lite communication device free of charge for 42 days.
During this trial period, Drew was able to do things that were never possible before. I distinctly remember the first time he ordered his own food at a restaurant. The look on his face was so memorable because you could see his pride and confidence.
"I cried with delight because my son for the first time in seven years had a voice that every person could hear and understand."
Also, during the loan period, Drew said his memory verse at the Valliant First Baptist Church Bible School Program in which approximately 200 people attended. His step-dad walked on stage with him for encouragement. I cried with delight because my son for the first time in seven years had a voice that every person could hear and understand. It was also amazing the amount of applause he received after he said his verse.
Thanks to ABLE tech and Rhonda Marfechuk, we knew the device was exactly the tool that Drew needed to be successful in life. Rhonda submitted the necessary paperwork and DVD of Drew using the device to BlueCross and Oklahoma SoonerCare in July. Both insurance companies concluded that this device was medically necessary. We received the device at the end of October, 2009.
Today, Drew spends half his school day in a regular 2nd grade class, and the other half in a special education class at Valliant Elementary school. He is beginning to initiate using his Vantage Lite in these environments. All staff members are enthusiastic to learn more about this device. Staff members and parents received formal training by PRC representative, Deanna Severson.
As a mother, I want to share Drew's success story. So, when you see our family in public with a device that looks like a computer that we refer to as the "talker," please ask questions because we are very enthusiastic to share what we have learned about communication disorders. To us, this is not a disability to be hidden- just a continuous success story.
Thank you for allowing me to share Drew's story.
Kim Morrow
Send to a friend