FoundationAnnualReport2022

The goal of an AAC device is to provide reliable and autonomous communication to the individual utilizing it. In other words, an AAC device allows people with complex communication needs to say what they want to say to whoever they want to, whenever they want to. After experimenting with different models and vocabulary layouts, Rachel determined which device would be best for Zachary. She worked with Stephanie and Jim to customize the language to their lives, which would increase his ability and willingness to use the device. “Sometimes children his age are so frustrated with their perceived communication limitations across environments that they no longer feel their communication attempts are valued. In my experience, this can negatively affect a person’s overall social, emotional, and medical well-being. This experience observed to align with Zachary’s situation. He has struggled his whole life with communicating messages that were authentic to him. It is easy to see why he might resist trying something new after so many negative experiences. His immediate success and determination to use the AAC device as a communication support was admirable,” says Rachel. Because of the costs of Zachary’s continuing medical issues, the Richters needed financial assistance to buy the AAC device, which is not covered by many insurance plans. Rachel referred them to the Firelands Children’s S.P.O.T. benefits counselor, who encouraged them to apply to Julian’s Fund of The Foundation for Firelands, which was established by an anonymous donor after her daughter and son-in-law struggled to find the appropriate services and cope with the financial burden of caring for their autistic son. Julian’s Fund assists the families of pediatric patients who receive therapy services at Firelands Children’s S.P.O.T. who can demonstrate financial hardship related to the costs of receiving therapy services or therapeutic interventions due to limited or inadequate insurance coverage. The Richters met the requirements, and Zachary received his AAC device. Zachary’s success with his AAC device offered a new approach for him to express his emotions, thoughts, needs, and ideas. Rachel noted that he can now communicate joy and happiness, which he could not express before. Zachary is beginning to identify where he’s having pain, and he can tell his parents when he is not feeling well. Especially gratifying for Stephanie is that Zachary can now express affection, which is very difficult for him because of his autism. “His device records what buttons he has pushed throughout the day, so I can see what he’s feeling even when he is not with me. He presses ‘mom’ a lot on his board, so I know he’s thinking about me,” she says with a smile. “As a certified occupational therapist assistant, I always had the ‘head’ knowledge of treating children with disabilities and what it must be like as a parent to have a child like Zachary. After he was born, I developed the ‘heart’ knowledge. I know what it’s like from the other side now.” The pediatric rehabilitation services and programs at the Firelands Regional Medical Center Children’s S.P.O.T. focus on treating children who may have one of the following conditions: • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Autism spectrum disorders • Brachial plexus injuries • Brain injury or brain tumor • Cerebral palsy • Craniofacial anomalies • Down syndrome • Feeding and swallowing disorders • Genetic abnormalities • Orthopedic conditions • Speech and language disorders • Spina bifida • Stroke • Voice disorders 26