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Emily Nevels

Emily with her Vantage

A letter from Emily's teacher? No worries! It's great news.

Well, Emily's progress with the computer (Vantage) should be no surprise to you because you predicted it. I am amazed myself at the speed with which she is progressing. The ladies from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) are just as amazed at her progress. She easily uses her core words to answer or ask questions.

We were getting ready for a field trip to the Dollar Store this morning to allow each client to make a snack purchase. I could not send everyone from Emily's group. There was a toss-up between Emily and another class mate. [This was not intentional.] I was standing with staff trying to decide what to do. Emily had just come in from the bathroom, as she listened to the conversation between us, I could see the excitement and anxiousness on her face at the same time. She hurriedly opened the communicator on the table in front of her, and began pressing icons. As she pressed in an effort to say something quickly she was watching to make sure that I heard what she had to say before I made my decision. As you know it takes a few seconds to find her words. All of a sudden she began talking with her finger, "go, go, go, me go."

I was so pleased and surprised at the same time. Needless to say you can guess who went to the Dollar Store? I can now say with certainty that she knows that there is more to the Vantage than just answering questions. She knows that she can use it to make herself heard and to express herself. Awesome.

I told you once that you had done a fantastic job with Emily and your reply was that she did it. I can now proudly say that she is doing it. I am very proud of Emily and there is much more to her than meets the eye.

Much love,
Emily and Veronica

Response from Emily's Mother

Emily with her Vantage

Hi Veronica,

I was absolutely astounded to see how much progress Emily had made on the Vantage. Believe me . . . I know it wouldn't have happened without you, Veronica! 'Thanks' is NEVER enough.

Sharon

P.S. I talked to Emily yesterday and at the end of the conversation I said, "I love you," to her and then said, "So what do you say to me Emily?" Next thing I heard was, "I love you, mom." (Talk about goose bumps!) Don't you just know I am so happy as to be busting!!