Abby

Hi there, this is Abby’s communication story.

Before we met with the team from CAYA, we were using the Picture Exchange Communication system and had reintroduced Touch Chat for Abby to communicate.

Abby always had her own desirable way of communicating, and therefor she would often want to only use gestures and nuances to communicate. Augmentative communication was always a part of her program, but implementing the system and having her consistently using this system was always a challenge. In Abby’s last two years at school, we focused on re-introducing Touch Chat with more of a focus on fun and role modeling. Using a slow introduction, role modeling from the team, playing games and giving autonomy were factors that supported the successful buy in to the Touch Chat system. It was important to be consistent and stick with the program for Abby to realize how it allowed her to communicate with a broader community.

The system provided Abby a connection with her peers when playing games, completing chores, and participating in school wide activities. It provided an opportunity to take pictures and share her experiences with staff and peers.

CAYA’s professional team worked with Abby’s school team, and we were able to customize her new Communication system with the vocabulary and personalized options she would need to foster self-expression and engagement. As a result, Abby will be able to experience enhanced communication skills, empowering her to participate more actively in her social interaction with her new team.