Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! | Explore Support & Services for SLPs
Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! | Explore Support & Services for SLPs
Meet Ka’Mazie (Mazie), a three‑year‑old living in Emporia, Kansas, along with his parents Chloe and Jasaan. As a family, they love spending time together—especially fishing, being outdoors, staying active, and making memories through shared experiences. Their days are full of movement, laughter, and a strong commitment to quality family time.
Ka’Mazie was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Level 2, and has struggled with speech from an early age. Before using AAC, communication breakdowns often led to intense frustration, and at times, aggressive behaviors when his family couldn’t understand what he was trying to say. His parents always knew he had things to express—he just needed a reliable way to be heard.
Since introducing the QuickTalker Freestyle a few months ago, communication has changed in meaningful ways for Ka’Mazie and his family. The device has helped bridge the gap between what he feels and what he’s able to communicate, allowing him to clearly express his wants and needs.
Over time, the QuickTalker has also helped build Ka’Mazie’s confidence and communication skills. With support from AAC, he has begun using more of his own words and verbally telling his parents what he wants and needs—something that once felt out of reach and now feels like real progress.
One early win that stood out was how quickly Ka’Mazie caught on to using his QuickTalker and navigating it independently. He began repeating the words he pressed on the device, which not only supported his verbal development but also helped him learn colors, objects, and everyday vocabulary.
Like many families, one early challenge was learning how to consistently incorporate the device into daily routines. Once the QuickTalker became part of life at home, preschool, and on the go, his growth truly took off, showing just how powerful consistency can be.
Now, the QuickTalker Freestyle goes everywhere Ka’Mazie goes. Whether at home, preschool, or out in the community, the device is pulled out as soon as communication becomes unclear. One recent moment that made Chloe smile was when Ka’Mazie used his talker to express that he was scared—something he had never been able to communicate before.
Moments like that remind his parents how powerful access to communication can be. And if you ask Ka’Mazie what he loves most, you’ll hear everything about Spider‑Man, trains, and Paw Patrol.
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.