It's been one month since Caleigh started using the iPad. It's been even more amazing for her than I could have imagined. She's a happier kid. Her tendency to scream and cry when she wants a transition are all but gone now.
A couple of weeks back we were at OT. Caleigh was using her iPad and asking for her stuffed dog Violet (her fave). She played with her for a minute. We sat Violet down and moved on to the next activity. Caleigh loudly said "Caaa." The OT looked at me, I looked at her. We started thinking of 'ca' words. I decided she was trying to say 'car.' We get the iPad back in front of Caleigh and ask her "Caleigh were you trying to say car?" Caleigh tells us "no" using Proloquo2Go. And then it hits me...Violet is a Leap Frog toy that can be programmed with your child's name. It says Caleigh (even pronounces it correctly) and sings songs using her name. So we ask her "were you saying your name, Caleigh, like Violet does?" She moves her way to the yes button and chooses it. I started crying. Literally. It felt like a break through.
About 6 months ago I had a speech therapist tell me that yes/no questions were too advanced for Caleigh. I don't think so.
We had the screen set on 4 big square choices and last week I got the bright idea to change the set up. I made the squares smaller. It comes out to 10 squares on the screen. I left most of them blank and continued with the choices that were on the 4 squares. We used the device that way for about 4 days when I realized Caleigh's enthusiasm for the the iPad was dwindling. So we sat down and I asked her if she wanted me to change back to the 4 large squares. She chose "yes." I asked her if the smaller squares were harder for her to use. She chose "yes." That afternoon I moved it back to the 4 squares and Caleigh has been interested and doing well again.
Here's a video of Caleigh telling me many things. She occasionally makes an accidental choice but immediately goes back and tries again until she gets what she wants. Usually she just tells me one thing at a time so this is something new. At the end of the video you can see that she says "I want to stop." That's her way of telling me that she is done talking.
It's come to my attention that Caleigh's YouTube videos with her using Proloquo2Go on the iPad (which we are now calling Caleigh's Talker) are just about the only ones out there. Especially for a kiddo with Cerebral Palsy.
I get emails everyday asking questions. I've talked to several moms all across the country. It's funny to me because I just did it. I went out, got an iPad and started using it with Caleigh. I have NO formal speech training and definitely NO augmentative communication training. I'm an Art chick. I'm pretty sure I took the leap of faith because I didn't have a speech therapist whispering in my ear about what they believe are Caleigh's abilities and what they will be in the future. Since January we have been without speech therapy. During that time we trialed several devices. I made a couple of my own systems and in the end decided on the iPad. So I'm not an expert, just a mom. I know what works for Caleigh and that's it. To be completely honest, Caleigh is the one that has made it easy. She's smart and picked up on it immediately. If that wasn't the case, I'm not sure I would be bragging so much. I'm glad that Caleigh's progress can help so many kiddos like her.
The comments are open below this post. If you have any questions about the iPad and what we are doing with Caleigh please ask away. I'll compile them in a future post if I get enough.
A couple of weeks back we were at OT. Caleigh was using her iPad and asking for her stuffed dog Violet (her fave). She played with her for a minute. We sat Violet down and moved on to the next activity. Caleigh loudly said "Caaa." The OT looked at me, I looked at her. We started thinking of 'ca' words. I decided she was trying to say 'car.' We get the iPad back in front of Caleigh and ask her "Caleigh were you trying to say car?" Caleigh tells us "no" using Proloquo2Go. And then it hits me...Violet is a Leap Frog toy that can be programmed with your child's name. It says Caleigh (even pronounces it correctly) and sings songs using her name. So we ask her "were you saying your name, Caleigh, like Violet does?" She moves her way to the yes button and chooses it. I started crying. Literally. It felt like a break through.
About 6 months ago I had a speech therapist tell me that yes/no questions were too advanced for Caleigh. I don't think so.
We had the screen set on 4 big square choices and last week I got the bright idea to change the set up. I made the squares smaller. It comes out to 10 squares on the screen. I left most of them blank and continued with the choices that were on the 4 squares. We used the device that way for about 4 days when I realized Caleigh's enthusiasm for the the iPad was dwindling. So we sat down and I asked her if she wanted me to change back to the 4 large squares. She chose "yes." I asked her if the smaller squares were harder for her to use. She chose "yes." That afternoon I moved it back to the 4 squares and Caleigh has been interested and doing well again.
Here's a video of Caleigh telling me many things. She occasionally makes an accidental choice but immediately goes back and tries again until she gets what she wants. Usually she just tells me one thing at a time so this is something new. At the end of the video you can see that she says "I want to stop." That's her way of telling me that she is done talking.
It's come to my attention that Caleigh's YouTube videos with her using Proloquo2Go on the iPad (which we are now calling Caleigh's Talker) are just about the only ones out there. Especially for a kiddo with Cerebral Palsy.
I get emails everyday asking questions. I've talked to several moms all across the country. It's funny to me because I just did it. I went out, got an iPad and started using it with Caleigh. I have NO formal speech training and definitely NO augmentative communication training. I'm an Art chick. I'm pretty sure I took the leap of faith because I didn't have a speech therapist whispering in my ear about what they believe are Caleigh's abilities and what they will be in the future. Since January we have been without speech therapy. During that time we trialed several devices. I made a couple of my own systems and in the end decided on the iPad. So I'm not an expert, just a mom. I know what works for Caleigh and that's it. To be completely honest, Caleigh is the one that has made it easy. She's smart and picked up on it immediately. If that wasn't the case, I'm not sure I would be bragging so much. I'm glad that Caleigh's progress can help so many kiddos like her.
The comments are open below this post. If you have any questions about the iPad and what we are doing with Caleigh please ask away. I'll compile them in a future post if I get enough.
17 comments:
Thank you for sharing this. It has brought tears to my eyes. You are such an inspiration to me!
Right now, we are trying to go the route of insurance and getting a dynavox. I'm not sure if I want to continue to wait and fight this battle. I may just end up buying an iPad as well.
You made me cry.Literally.
No , I'm not a mom or have anything to do with CP or SN kids.I'm just a deaf lady with a CI ( Cochlear Implant ) that follows blogs.
I've been a lurker for some months now..Just seeing Calleigh.
And you innovation to use iPad with Proloq2Go program and adjust it to C's needs...and she responds so beautifully.And vocalizes.Just bc you were creative.And pushing for your daughters needs.And showing that you don't need millions of dollars to make your daughter communicate.
So , I'm still Crying.
Wow. A door is open for Caleigh and you opened it...because you are a damn good momma. Hugs to that sweet, little talker of yours!
You gave her a voice. It brings tears to my eyes to see her communicate like that. I am quite impressed with her skills. She knows exactly what she wants. You are an AMAZING mom. You have opened many doors for her. Many children that can not speak will have these doors opened for them because of the work you have done with Caleigh.
oh my gosh I totally just teared up reading about Caleigh saying her name. I am so proud of her, she's amazing! It's a beautiful sound to hear, I'm sure!
This is amazing, We are working ongetting an ipad for my son and seeing Caleigh use hers lets me see how much it would truly benefit him. Thanks for sharing.
Love hearing this and am so glad you're blazing a train with Caleigh. Can't do yes or no? Seriously, I would have fired someone who told me that. Period.
Hopefully, we'll have our own iPad this week and we'll be able to use some of the wisdom you've shared here.
It is so fabulous seeing her progress, and I can't wait to get one for my daughter when they arrive in Ireland. Might just have to share again!
This brings a tear to my eye. It is so great to see her using this tool like a pro! And the fact that she wanted to say her name? Awesome!
We do not have the option of trying out devices where I am. I am curious. What kinds of things did you do with Caleigh to get her ready for a communication device? We have a speech therapist and she is great, but she isn't the most reliable. Emily has been whining a lot lately and I feel like she is frustrated because she cannot express her needs. I am trying to figure out where to begin to help her in that area. Any tips you can offer about things you did with Caleigh would be greatly appreciated.
Dawn
Great video and very cute little girl! I am planning to get the exact same communication setup for my daughter. I'm hoping to have the success with her that you are having. Wonderful.
I would love to have an ipad for our kiddo, but haven't figured out funding. Thank you for all that you have done in posting about options as we don't have to opportunity to try out different devices. I did want to tell you that I made the plunge and ordered Your Baby Can Read and am thinking it is our link for helping our little one learn to read since she is nonverbal, but very bright, so have you looked into that? I had just noticed that our little one loved the Leapfrog Letter Sound video, but got tired of it after awhile, so this has given us another outlet for helping to stimulate her through dvds since that seems to be our hope for learning. Anyways, just curious if you had looked into that?
Dannette in Kansas
Caleigh blows my mind. I swear she is going to make therapists all over double think before they tell a parent thast something is too advanced for their little one. You are AWESOME!
This makes me so happy to read. I love reading these fantastic updates about Caleigh. You guys are such awesome parents and do such an amazing job.
Beautiful! Its so nice to see that this is an option now that won't cost thousands of dollars and with a devise that can be used for so much more down the road. I love watching this video and love reading your blog.
Way to go Caleigh!
My son Josh (21 yrs old) has used a talker for nearly 18 years. Now he uses Proloquo2Go on his iPad. After years of using a bulky, heavy, hard box with robotic voices - he now uses his iPad.
Your instincts about Caleigh are SO on target. Parents are the best teachers for their children. Remember to use the iPad with her as a way to model it's use.
There is a really cool forum for Proloquo2Go - I urge you to join. You have a lot to share with folks and maybe you can pick up a tip or two. : )
www.proloquo2Go.com
We've just bought an Ipad for my 9yo son with CP. AC devices have never been a great solution because he's not interested in them, but he loves his dad's ipad and knows how to use it.
I was wondering about the straps on Caleigh's Ipad. Are they there to help better define the choices? And do you make them yourself or buy them?
Thanks,
DeAnn
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