Finding His Voice

Wade has been using his speech-generated device (SGD) for about 2 years. It still blows my mind that he can talk! His language isn’t perfect, but he can get his point across.

We have an 8-month-old Golden Doodle. She is being trained to be Wade’s service dog. He is very excited about his puppy, Emma. He really enjoys buying her toys.

I always get very excited when he starts a conversation and asks questions. A couple of weeks ago, we were going to go to PetSmart. Wade said, “What she need?” I told him that maybe we could get Emma a few new toys. He said, “Toy elephant, toy deer.”

Instead, we decided to go to Target and leave Emma at home. When we got to the pet aisle, Wade said, “Elephant.” Sure enough, there was a big, blue stuffed elephant. Of course I had to buy it!

When I picked it up, Wade said, “Lap.” So I secured it under the belt on his wheelchair.

We were in Target for a couple of hours! The boys and I looked at toys, clothes, and even food. We also started making Christmas lists.

It’s so exciting to shop with Wade. He is actually able to tell me what aisle he wants to go down. He tells me when to stop. He tells me what to look at. It is absolutely incredible!

He is actually a little demanding! But it makes my heart so happy to really know what he wants. The SGD has improved his life so much. It has changed our world.

We finally made it to the check-out. I placed everything on the belt. I chatted with the cashier, and I paid for my items. As I started to push Wade forward, he said, “Elephant toy.” That stuffed elephant was still sitting on his lap! I had totally forgotten about it.

Wade knew that we didn’t pay for it and said something. He kept us from shoplifting at Target! Just another reason I am so thankful that Wade has found his voice!

You can read more information in Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment.