Deb's Take Page 2

17Nov07

    It has been a few years since I last wrote the first "Deb's Take" and things have changed yet again. Jr has been doing nothing but improving since beginning at the Vista school five years ago. Everything has changed and all for the better. Before attending Vista JR was not toilet trained, could not swallow pills, had MAJOR behavior issues to include; hitting, pinching, biting and kicking. The only behavior issue he never had was being self-injurious. The behavior issues are gone now both at home and at school, he is totally toilet trained, AND he can now swallow pills. The pill swallowing was a big issue because of all the supplements we have him on.

    The newest and I believe the most profound change began in May of this year with the introduction of a communication device. JR has been receiving speech therapy for eight years and I finally came to the conclusion that he probably will never be able to speak in a way that he would be easily understood. Hence, the introduction of a device (that has been supplied as a loner via the PaTTAN group) that speaks for him. It is interactive in the manner that JR selects a button and when that button is pressed it says the words on the button. He is doing very well with it. I am very happy to say that our school district is willing to pay for the device that will be purchased for him. He should have his own device (that will be owned by the school district but in JR's possession 24/7/365) by late December or early January). The device that best suits JR after evaluations is the DynaVox line called MT4 (which is no longer being made but is being replaced by the DynaVox V (five). Here is a direct quote that gives a description of the new V series:

"The DynaVox V is the most advanced and flexible speech-generating device available for augmentative communication.  A full Windows XP computer, the V delivers internet access, email, text messaging, and runs most XP applications.  The V provides incredible volume and clarity, with a wide range of voice selections, including AT&T Natural Voices."

 

    Basically JR will have in addition to a communication device a personal computer with internet capabilities. His ability to use e-mail or text messaging doesn't exist at this time but as he ages and becomes more proficient the technology will literally be at his finger tips. 

    The Vista school along with our school district has taken what was a very negative experience for all of us and turned it into one of the most profoundly positive, life changing experiences that I personally have ever experienced. And I owe them all so very much for performing this miracle.

    God puts people and events on our roads for very specific reasons. I have always believed that since I was very young. Never, has it been more apparent than it is right now. Initially when JR was first diagnosed I didn't see this for I was blinded. Blinded by my anger, by my lose, by my lose of faith in God and those responsible. I got the former back but I don't think the latter will ever be changed.

    I still have much resentment and lack of trust for those responsible. The anger has ebbed though. It had to; otherwise it would have killed me literally. My rage was consuming me at an accelerated rate and I had to get that in check before I could move on and truly appreciate my son and my family for all they were and all they have done.

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