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. We’re delighted to introduce you to Keirra —an ableFamilies Parent Enthusiast—and her family from Arlington, Texas. As passionate advocates for their son Keinan, they show us how connection, resilience, and a positive outlook can help every family member thrive.
Keirra and her husband are proud parents to four children—three girls and one boy. Their son Keinan, a lively 4-year-old with level 3 autism, is at the heart of their story. The family believes in looking beyond labels and embracing every child’s unique strengths. As Keirra puts it, “He has autism, but autism doesn’t have him!” Their journey is a testament to advocacy, love, and the power of seeing the whole child.
For the family, communication is all about active listening and connection. “Our goal is connection, not just speech, so we focus on understanding and inclusion,” Keirra shares.
A year ago, they started using the QuickTalker Freestyle. One of their earliest wins was when Keinan could tell someone his name when asked—a huge milestone for their family. Since then, the QuickTalker Freestyle has transformed how they connect. “It’s given my husband and me clarity to know what our son needs, wants, and how he’s feeling,” Keirra says.
Making the device part of daily life is all about routine. The family charges the device overnight and makes sure it’s visible in the morning so Keinan can grab it before heading to school.
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.