Including Shannon

May 2008

Shannon is a very engaging and active 15 year old attending a middle school in the lower mainland. She has many challenges but her team has worked incredibly hard to ensure she also has many, many opportunities.

Shannon uses a communication system that includes simple AAC devices like the Step-by-Step communicator as well as more complex solutions like Speaking Dynamically Pro on a laptop. One of the biggest challenges she and her team faced was finding an effective access method so she could activate her communication devices. It took some time for her to develop the motor coordination skills needed to independently activate her Step-by-Step, but now that she can, she can’t be stopped!

Shannon certainly recognizes the power of communication and, being very social, really enjoys interacting with her fellow classmates. Her school team has been remarkably successful including Shannon in all aspects of school life. She uses her communication devices in all classes and her teachers employ a number of strategies to ensure she is a vital and active member of the classroom community. Shannon and her team are a terrific example of inclusion in action.

In addition to accessing her Step-by-Step through direct selection, Shannon uses a jelly bean and Intelliswitch to connect to her laptop. She has a wonderful PowerPoint presentation which she controls describing many of her everyday “adventures”. She carries a photo album on her wheelchair documenting her life and this provides a great jumping off point for peer interaction. She also has a camera available at all times – this makes adding current photos easy so her book is always up-to-date. In addition to her activities at school, Shannon is active in her community. Her communication system helps support her throughout her day, in and out of school.

Shannon still struggles with direct selection as her access method so her team is just starting to explore the use of a head mounted laser pointer with Speaking Dynamically Pro. Judging from Shannon and her team’s incredible determination, they will soon have that system up and working!

Congratulations to Shannon and her team for showing how, with commitment and hard work, even students with significant challenges can be active and included in school and community activities.

Listen to a SET-BC AudioCast with Shannon's team.