ableFamilies in Real Life:

Meet Markevius & Mauri

Welcome to ableFamilies in Real Life — a series that celebrates the real moments, milestones, and families behind every QuickTalker Freestyle journey. Today, we’re so glad to introduce Markevius and her four-year-old son, Mauri, from Bethany, Oklahoma. Just three months into their AAC journey, this family of five is already discovering the power of what happens when a child finds his voice.

All About Mauri

Mauri is four years old and the youngest of four children — he has three older siblings, ages 14, 11, and 5. He loves to dance, race his Hot Wheels cars, and play games with his family. Since beginning to use the QuickTalker Freestyle, Mauri has been exploring how to share what he wants, what he sees, and what he feels — and his family has been right there with him, cheering every single step.

A Family Built on Encouragement

For Markevius, communication has always been something the whole family takes part in. “We love encouraging Mauri to engage and communicate with us,” she shares. Since introducing the QuickTalker Freestyle, Mauri uses the device to let his family know what he wants or needs — and one key in particular has become a favorite: the juice key.

Markevius describes the shift the device has brought to their daily life with refreshing honesty: “Mauri is now able to use the device to tell us certain things he wants. It’s not always frustrating trying to figure it out.” That kind of clarity — for both Mauri and the people who love him — is exactly what AAC is meant to do.

Mauri has also been exploring the device’s vocabulary in surprising ways, including identifying colors when asked. Each new discovery is a reminder of how much is possible when a child has the tools to show what they know.

The Moment That Said It All

Ask Markevius about an early win, and she’ll tell you about juice. When Mauri asked for juice and she told him no, he didn’t stop communicating — he pivoted. He went straight to the water key. She said yes. “That was amazing,” she says simply — and it’s easy to understand why.

In that small exchange, Mauri showed something big: he wasn’t just pressing keys — he was problem-solving. He was communicating with intention, reading the situation, and finding another way to be heard. That’s the kind of moment that stays with a family. And for Markevius, those moments keep coming. “Every moment he communicates and learns to say it as well,” she reflects. “Every milestone is a smile.”

Family Motto

The family motto says it best: "We are one! We encourage each other and be there for each other no matter what!" That's the foundation Mauri is growing from — and with it, there's no telling how far his voice will carry.

Advice for New Families

When asked what she wishes she'd known sooner, Markevius has a message she clearly means from the heart: "You are not alone! We are building a community so you won't feel alone!" It's the same spirit that runs through everything her family does — rallying around each other, encouraging one another, and showing up.

Share Your Journey or Connect with Us

Stay tuned for more real-life stories from ableFamilies across the country. Want to share your family’s journey or have a question? Our Parent Enthusiasts are here for you. You can also explore more resources, guidance, and community connections on our SupportHub.