Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! | Explore Support & Services for SLPs
Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! | Explore Support & Services for SLPs
Welcome to our series, “ableFamilies in Real Life,” where we celebrate the everyday victories, challenges, and heartwarming moments of ableFamilies. Today, we are excited to introduce you to Caitlin—a devoted mom—and her three‑year‑old son, James, from North Carolina.
As they use the QuickTalker Freestyle, Caitlin, James, and their family show how patience, creativity, and connection help James find his voice.
Meet the Trahan family—Caitlin, Matthew, six-year-old MJ, and three-year-old James—whose days are filled with energy, creativity, and a whole lot of brotherly love. James was born with congenital heart disease and experienced a stroke early on, resulting in left hemiparesis cerebral palsy. Despite those challenges, he is an adventurous, imaginative kiddo who loves being outdoors, crafting, and running around with his big brother and friends.
Communication plays a significant role in their home. The Trahans navigate “big feelings and grand ideas” using a mix of speech, ASL, modeling, prompting, and now—thanks to almost a year of use—the QuickTalker Freestyle. They have learned that the simplest strategies often matter most: taking a breath, slowing down, and remembering that “this is not an emergency.” That extra 5–10 seconds can shift an entire interaction.
One of their favorite milestones came when James looked right at his mom and said, “Leave me alone, thank you,” using his QuickTalker. It was honest, clear, and completely him—a moment that showed just how powerful having a voice can be. Their biggest realization was that AAC is a journey for the whole family—one that brings growth and learning together.
The QuickTalker has strengthened their family’s connection in many ways, and it is also shown MJ what adaptive technology and true inclusion look like. Children at the playground are learning that James’s device gives him a voice, and that understanding has brought everyone closer.
Their key to making AAC part of daily life? Using it everywhere: during play, while getting dressed, when shopping, and in all the everyday in‑between moments. And Caitlin has one essential tip for new families: back up your talker and use Guided Access—because nothing derails progress faster than an accidentally rearranged home screen.
Stay tuned for more real-life stories from ableFamilies across the country. Want to share your family’s journey or have a question? Ask our Parent Enthusiasts or find more information and resources on our SupportHub.