Kenzie "teaching" little B how to talk.
Little B giving it a try.Kenzie uses an e-talk augmentative communication device which was purchased for her 3 years ago. It gives her the ability to resolve our misunderstandings. But, mostly it allows her to be social when for years she didn't have the tools to be. Sadly, before she made it through the Medicaid wait list (thanks to all the Colorado smokers out there for helping speed up the list, due to an increase in the cigarette tax), our insurance company turned down our request for coverage of the device. On what grounds? It was considered an educational device! (telling us whether or not she has a wet diaper definitely falls into the category of education, come on!!) Of all the insane excuses I've heard through this journey, this tops the list. Through generous, generous donations from friends and family and a fun day having a bowl-a-thon, we raised the $7500.00 it cost to purchase it. This is where the idea for the name of my blog came from. Mackenzie's voice, she finally has a voice. The one very unfortunate part of the device is that she is not able to program it for herself. How, as her mom, can I program it so the voice truely represents what she wants to say? Really, how would you like it if your mom always did the talking for you? She certainly wouldn't say all the things you would like to. All those wonderful things us moms hear everyday from our beloved little ones like: you're the worst mom ever, I'm leaving and never coming back. These, all examples of things I heard this week from my master communicator, middle child, A. What would you suggest I add to her talker?
4 comments:
I loved the idea of the talker but didn't think about the programming of it. Duh! What would happen if you let A make some suggestions? If you could figure out how to actually program it from M's standpoint, or even close to it you could write a book on M's behalf for kids who need to use the talker.
S.
I just thought of something to program in - Man I have a cute little brother!!!!
S.
Hi, just to let you know that I stopped by your blog after you left me a message on mine. Thanks for the note. It seems our families are similar. It's great that you now have a better way to communicate...that is a big help.
You have spoken in a past blog about a caring person taking care of Mackenzie if you/your husband die first. Obviously you consider him to be a loving parent. While we all know moms carry most of the burden about our children, it must be instinctive, do not underestimate the strength, readiness, and intelligence of your spouse in dealing with all the emotions/decisions. You are in this together. Often times we have to tell hubbies what we need (even if we readily see and address their needs. Remember the genders really are from different planets!
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