Kim Vuong
My name is Kim Vuong and I am 36 years old.
I was born in Vietnam with normal physical capabilities. I then had a high fever which caused me to have cerebral palsy. It was hard for me to speak to people or do public speaking. I grew up not liking to speak to people.
I got my first AAC device when I was eight years old in elementary school then after a few years my device broke. I never had one from the time it broke until 11 years ago. I was working for an independent living center and my bosses told me that my clients didn't understand me on the phone or in person. So they suggested that I have an evaluation for an AAC device.
At that time I knew a little about AAC devices but not much. I went for my evaluation and tried every device that the evaluation center had before I selected the Vantage from PRC. It was what my evaluation stated that I required from an AAC system. It was loud enough that I could be heard while talking on the phone. I love the hardware part and the language in the Vantage. It took me a while to learn the language but I love it. Now it is easy to compose my thoughts without having somebody pre-program every sentence for me. I use Unity 84. I like that the device is easy enough that I can use it by myself.
I think without my Vantage I would never been able to get my Associates degree in Women Studies, which I completed in May of 2011. I used my device to do all of my presentations for school. And I would never have been able to work as long as I did for the evaluation center. Without the Vantage, I would never have had the courage to open my own public speaking business. I think without my Vantage device I would be helpless.
Right now I am using my device in ways that I would never have imagined. I have joined Toastmasters. I am in Toastmasters Club - Aquarium of the Pacific Wavemakers. This is a club for professionals and others who want to be better speakers. The people attending make speeches and the other members critique it. It is so much fun. I think I am the only AAC user that they have so I am happy about that.
Just recently I became a PRC Ambassador and I love it too. Also, I have my own public speaking business. So I didn't know how much I needed and used my device until my device was sent back for repair. I am grateful to have my Vantage.
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