ableFamilies in Real Life:

Meet Kacy & Troy

Welcome to our series, “ableFamilies in Real Life,” where we celebrate the everyday progress, challenges, and meaningful moments of families using AAC. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Kacy—a devoted mom—and her three‑year‑old son, Troy, from Kansas. As Troy continues learning to communicate with the QuickTalker Freestyle, Kacy and their family are discovering how access to AAC can reduce frustration and help Troy share his needs in ways that feel empowering and supportive.

Meet Kacy & Troy

Meet Kacy and her three‑year‑old son, Troy, a nonverbal autistic kiddo who is full of energy and life. Troy loves being outdoors, playing in the water, and staying active. While spoken language has been challenging, Kacy always knew Troy had plenty to communicate—he just needed a new way to express it.

Finding His Voice Through AAC

Before using AAC, Troy often struggled to express his needs, which could be stressful for both him and his family. Since introducing the QuickTalker Freestyle about seven months ago, Kacy has seen a meaningful shift. The device has helped Troy communicate basic needs like eating, drinking, going outside, visiting the park, or getting ready for sleep. Even as he continues learning, Troy already understands that the device helps him be understood.

One of the biggest changes has been a reduction in frustration. Instead of guessing or watching Troy become upset when communication breaks down, Kacy can better understand what her son wants or needs. The QuickTalker Freestyle has given Troy a voice—and with it, more calm moments and connection at home.

Everyday Moments That Matter

The QuickTalker Freestyle has become part of Troy’s daily routines, especially around meals, playtime, and transitions. He uses it to request food or drinks, choose toys, and express what activity he wants to do next. For Kacy, this has made a significant difference in supporting Troy in the moment.

Moments That Made Us Smile

When Troy pressed “help” and “eat” on his device when he was hungry repeating it until he got his snack.

Kacy's Advice for New Families

Give it time. It can take a while for a child to adjust, but once they understand the device helps them communicate, it becomes incredibly beneficial for both the child and their family.

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? Ask our Parent Enthusiasts or find more information and resources on our SupportHub.