DynaVox helps people get to know the real Emily Hutchins
Friday, May 09, 2008 -- Jason Thompson
Emily Hutchins says her DynaVox has enabled her to achieve a level of independence she otherwise would not enjoy.
For Emily and countless others who can absorb everything that is said to them yet lack the ability to speak outwardly, speech-generating devices such as the DynaVox are opening the door to a world of possibilities.
“Without my DynaVox, my life would be a lot more frustrating because nobody would be able know what I wanted,” Emily says.
In addition to helping Emily express herself, the DynaVox V, which runs on Windows XP, provides Emily with Internet access, e-mail, instant messaging and runs most Windows XP applications. Emily controls the device through a head switch fitted to her power wheelchair.
Equipped with an infrared sender, the device also allows Emily to control the television, DVD player, stereo or any other device with a remote control.
“Without my DynaVox my family and friends would not have able to get to know me. My DynaVox is me.” Emily says.
“People often pat me on the head and talk to me like I'm two-years old. Once they take the time to get to know me they see a kind, ambitious, loving young lady with a terrific sense of humour, with many abilities as well.”
Mark Hutchins, Emily’s father, says prior to the DynaVox, the only way Emily could communicate was by pointing to pictures or other gestures.
“She is a bright individual with a ton of things to communicate and say and no ability to say it,” Hutchins says. “(The DynaVox) is an absolutely vital part of her ability to communicate.”
Julie No, an occupational therapist in the Assistive Devices Resource Service at ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development in Mississauga, says it is about fitting the technology to what Emily’s needs are.
No commends Emily for making her own choices and deciding when she’s ready to take on new technologies.
“She’s very self-directed in her care and that’s really unique to see in someone who has had a lot of care given to her throughout the years and I really admire that about her,” No says.
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