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, milestones, and joyful moments of families using AAC. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Cara—a devoted mom—and her five-year-old daughter, Londyn, from Terre Haute, Indiana. With camping trips, visits to the children’s museum, and a house full of classic Disney movies, Londyn’s world is big and bright—and with eighteen months of QuickTalker Freestyle experience behind her, she’s finding more ways to share it every day.
Meet Cara and her five-year-old daughter, Londyn—curious, smart, and courageous, with kindergarten just around the corner. Londyn is nonverbal and autistic, and Cara has always believed that the goal isn’t to replace the ways Londyn communicates, but to understand and support all of them: her QuickTalker Freestyle, sign language, gestures, and nonverbal cues together tell a full story. When the device joined their family eighteen months ago, it added a powerful new chapter.
Communication in Londyn’s home is a whole-family practice. Cara and her family keep a consistent daily routine, make sure the device is always charged and within reach, and use sign language throughout the day—all to create an environment where Londyn can communicate with confidence. Visual supports and a calm, low-distraction space help her stay regulated and engaged. And when it comes to the QuickTalker Freestyle itself, the key has been weaving it into the fabric of everyday life rather than treating it as a separate “therapy” tool.
The device travels with Londyn through meals, playtime, getting dressed, and bedtime. Cara models words and phrases during activities so Londyn can see how language works naturally in context. The family gives her plenty of time to respond—something Cara says has made a real difference in how independently Londyn reaches for her device and uses it to express what she needs.
One of the earliest wins Cara noticed was a shift in Londyn’s frustration. Before the QuickTalker Freestyle, needs that couldn’t be expressed sometimes got stuck. With the device, Londyn found a way through—communicating more independently and with greater ease. Cara learned early on that progress comes from showing up every day with the device, not from trying to teach everything at once.
The moment that made Cara’s heart full recently? On Mother’s Day, Londyn used her QuickTalker Freestyle to say “Happy Mother’s Day”—and put smiles on everyone’s face. It’s the kind of moment that reminds a family just how far they’ve come, and just how much more is possible.
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 additional resources, guidance, and community connections on our SupportHub.