Voice Lessons
GMS students learn what it’s like to talk with an electronic device
Last school year, Grace McWayne Second-Grade Teacher Chad Clarey read a book to his students about an eleven-year-old girl born with Cerebral Palsy. She was unable to communicate well with others until she received a communication device.
The class talked a lot about what that would be like, which led Mr. Clarey to inquire about having BPS101 students who use an “Augmentative and Alternative Communication” (AAC) device visit his classroom. (Interesting Fact: There are approximately 45 BPS101 students who use an AAC device, which includes students in the Early Childhood and Mid-Valley Special Education programs, and private placements.)
As it turns out, GMS Speech Pathologist Sabina Walker was starting AAC education at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year, so the two worked together to make this learning opportunity happen. Last year, GMS student Wyatt Stahl visited Mr. Clarey’s class and this year BHS/Mid-Valley S.A.I.L. (Students Attaining Independent Living) student, Allie Gagnon, came in.
Coincidentally, Allie’s visit followed on the heels of Grace McWayne’s Autism and Disabilities Awareness Week, which included several activities and events for GMS students to learn about their similarities and differences with others and how a culture of inclusion makes a community great.
Prior to Allie’s visit, Mr. Clarey and his students prepared questions for Allie. When she arrived, they asked Allie each question and watched as she answered on her AAC iPad. Here’s a clip from the Q&A:
“Allie’s visit was so inspirational. There are so many students and teachers here who really want to learn about disabilities, the challenges that individuals with disabilities face, and how they can support them,” said Mrs. Walker.
After the Q&A, Allie helped a few GMS students learn what it’s like to have a two-way conversation with a device. With some help from GMS speech pathologists Kellie Myers and Mrs. Walker, BPS101 assistive technologist Jocelyn Kotrba, and Allie’s speech pathologist, Kristin Dean, and assistant, Stephanie McSweenie, the students used the school’s AAC iPads and were asking Allie questions like, “What are your friends’ names?” and “What’s your favorite color?”
Allie really enjoyed her visit and has been invited back to other classrooms at GMS. This could be the start of a public speaking career for Allie!
“Our school was blessed to have a young lady named Julia come in last week to speak at our Autism and Disabilities Week assembly,” said Mr. Clarey. “She is a highly accomplished young woman who also happens to have Down Syndrome. The entire GMS community got to see and hear how she is like them in a multitude of ways. We simply need to open our doors, minds, hearts, and opportunities to Julia and Allie so they can have the kinds of communication channels and friendships they deserve.”
