Easton’s Speech-tacular Success
Communication tools are critical for local children and teens with special needs, empowering them with the resources to connect with the world around them. Children who have difficulty communicating verbally significantly benefit from speech therapy and Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. However, despite their importance, many families face barriers in accessing these essential resources.
With diminishing insurance coverage, increasing co-pays, and a device alone costing at least $5,000 with an added $200-300 for a communication app, these tools are financially out of reach for many families. Variety St. Louis removes this financial burden by covering therapy and equipment costs to enable Variety Kids to confidently express their thoughts, needs, and feelings.
Meet Easton
Variety Kid Easton, a lively, Ghostbuster-loving 10 year old, has benefitted from speech therapy since he was just a year old. Since then, he has discovered many ways to express himself despite the communication challenges he faces.
Alongside the speech therapy provided at school, Easton receives additional speech therapy through Variety’s TherHappy program. With this added support, Easton’s speech has significantly improved, opening a new world of possibilities!
“Communication is our biggest challenge with Easton because he has so much to say! Sometimes he doesn’t have the fluency to say what he wants to share. So having that extra speech therapy is really what got us to a point where we can understand him better,” shares mom, Amber.
Although Easton communicates verbally, speaking with others who are unfamiliar with his speech patterns can be challenging. The aid of an AAC device eases such frustrations, helping Easton learn new words, practice pronunciation, and clarify his speech when verbal challenges arise.
“When a student is given access to an AAC device, the device helps them make connections at school, at home and in their community.”
“It’s a way for them to share their thoughts and ideas with communication partners that would have not understood them or would have not been able to talk with them if they not had the AAC device,” explains Nicole, one of Easton’s speech therapists.
Unfortunately, many children only have access to a communication device during speech therapy or school, leaving them voiceless in the evenings, weekends and summer breaks. To break through this barrier, Variety launched the My Voice® Program that gifts eligible kids like Easton with their own iPad equipped with a communication app.
Since receiving his own device, Easton’s confidence has skyrocketed, empowering him to become more independent. Easton has even received glowing reviews from his family as they frequently spend time with each other!
“I remember the first time Easton showed me his device. You could just tell he was so excited to have the ability to communicate every thought in his crazy brain,” shares Aubree, Easton’s cousin.
“This dude is a whole new kid as his device allows his personality to shine through! He is growing so much!”
His reading and spelling skills have also flourished through the frequent use of the device’s search feature, enabling Easton to continually grow and learn. This allows him to expand his vocabulary and communicate with new people whenever the opportunity arises.
“Speech therapy and E’s device has been instrumental in helping him communicate clearly. Not only has it increased his confidence, but also his ability to have more social interactions with peers and family as others can better understand what he is saying as they talk and play together. We are SO grateful for Variety’s assistance in helping Easton share his amazing thoughts and personality,” shares Amber.
Variety programs improve each child’s quality of life by removing barriers that prevent kids from unleashing their full potential. You can help kids like Easton unlock their voice by joining our mission to redefine ability and reimagine possibilities.