Tell us about Amelia

Amelia is a curious, determined, and compassionate individual. As a student, she’s eager to learn and thrives when given tools that empower her to express herself. She has an innate creativity and loves engaging in activities that spark her imagination. As a person, Amelia is kind-hearted, funny, and resilient, always finding ways to connect with others despite communication barriers. Within her family, she’s a loving daughter and sister who brightens everyone’s day with her warmth and humor. Her strong relationships with her loved ones are a testament to her ability to inspire and bring people together.

What are Amelia’s challenges with Language?

Amelia faces difficulty with verbal communication, which can make it hard for her to fully express her thoughts, emotions, and ideas. She understands everything but struggles to express herself in conversations that move quickly. These challenges can lead to moments of frustration, as she has so much to say but lacks the tools to share it easily or in real time.

What were some of the frustrations with earlier communication devices?

Earlier communication devices were often clunky, unintuitive, and limited in their vocabulary options. They didn’t adapt to Amelia’s unique needs or grow with her language development. The interfaces were confusing, and navigating them required too many steps, making it difficult for her to respond in the moment. Additionally, many of these devices didn’t feel personalized, which made it harder for Amelia to feel ownership of her communication.

What are some of the specific benefits of using Talk Suite versus another approach?

Talk Suite stands out for its intuitive design and ability to adapt to Amelia’s specific needs. Its user-friendly interface allows her to find and use the words she needs, enabling her to find her voice and express her own ideas. The personalization features let us customize vocabulary and expressions that are meaningful to her life, which makes communication feel more authentic. Compared to other approaches, Talk Suite integrates better into daily routines and fosters independence, giving her confidence in her ability to communicate.

What has changed in Amelia since she started using Talk Suite?

Since using Talk Suite, Amelia has become more confident and proactive in her communication. She now initiates conversations more often and participates more actively in group settings. Her frustration levels have decreased, as she feels empowered to express herself more fully. It has also strengthened her relationships with friends, caregivers, and family members by giving her the ability to share her thoughts and feelings more clearly.

Give us one specific example of something you feel was a fantastic moment.

One unforgettable moment was at Amelia’s graduation from her school iHope. She was the first graduate in the school’s history to write and deliver a commencement speech using augmentative communication. Amelia used Talk Suite to open with a joke and then expressed her gratitude for all the support and love she had received over the years. She ended by reminding everyone that we can all learn a lot by listening and then said… “Ask me what I want and I will tell you.” It was such a touching and empowering moment—not only for Amelia but for everyone present. We all saw just how much she had to say and how far she’s come in finding her voice.

What are your dreams for her, and how will Talk Suite be a part of that?

Our dreams for Amelia are that she grows into a confident, independent adult who feels fully seen and heard. We hope she can pursue her passions, build meaningful relationships, and advocate for herself in every aspect of her life. Talk Suite will play a crucial role in helping her achieve these dreams by continuing to serve as a bridge for communication. Its flexibility and adaptability mean it can evolve with her as her needs and goals change, ensuring that she always has a reliable tool to express herself fully.