Ryan's Story

Ryan uses his Discover Switch with Co:Writer and Write Outloud for journal writing, and uses personal dictionaries to help him find the words he wants. Because Ryan is cortically visually impaired, he uses the Discover Switch with auditory feedback and scanning. Ryan also uses his technology for research tasks, to complete modified question sheets and for commercial software programs.

He uses an Alphatalker, with auditory scanning,to communicate socially and to answer questions in class. Ryan has presented projects in Social Studies using the Alpha Talker, taking turns with a partner during the presentations. He also uses the Discover Switch when he knows something is wrong with his Alphatalker and he wants someone to fix it. At SET-BC's Students Using Augmentative Communication Day, Ryan effectively communicated with other students and teachers using his AlphaTalker.

Ryan is enjoying his first year at secondary school. He uses a step by step communicator which, small as it is, has made a world of difference to him. He is taking drama classes and this device allows him to participate in the play by saying the correct lines at the right times; As you can imagine, the play would stand to lose some of its impact making the audience wait for him to scan his for the right lines.

Through the support of his School Based Team, Ryan has dramatically increased his level of participation in school. Before developing a system of communication, Ryan was completely dependent on an adult. Now he can initiate conversations and perform many tasks independently. Ryan is interested in participating in SET-BC's Virtual Voices Camp this summer.

Ryan's picture was featured in SET-BC's exhibit booth at the Council for Exceptional Children Conference, held in Vancouver this April.