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 Kristy—a proud mom—and her nine‑year‑old daughter, Maddie, from Florida. As Maddie continues to grow in independence using the QuickTalker Freestyle, Kristy and her family show how teamwork, encouragement, and celebrating every win can make communication a powerful part of daily life.
Meet Kristy and her nine‑year‑old daughter, Maddie, who lives life filled with energy, rhythm, and a whole lot of sparkle. Maddie has Down syndrome and is non‑verbal, but that has never stopped her from expressing herself. She attends a private school where her speech therapist helped set up her QuickTalker Freestyle, something Maddie now uses with confidence. Kristy says the whole family is incredibly proud of how well she communicates using her device.
At home, communication comes in many forms. Maddie uses her QuickTalker Freestyle “like a champ,” along with signs, gestures, and unique sounds that Kristy can recognize from another room. Over time, the family has learned to rely on a simple but powerful prompt: “Get your words.” When Maddie is having trouble being understood, she knows exactly what that means—use her device to share what she wants or needs.
Support doesn’t stop at home. Maddie’s school team, including her teacher, therapists, and RBT—works closely together to use her device across academics, social interaction, and daily routines. This consistent modeling has helped Maddie grow more independent, whether she’s working on school tasks, getting dressed, or following hygiene routines like washing her hands.
One of the family’s most memorable early wins came during a class field trip, when Maddie used her QuickTalker Freestyle to order her own meal at McDonald’s. Kristy still smiles watching the video—it was a powerful reminder of how capable Maddie is and how much her independence is growing. Moments like that have helped the family step back and realize just how far she’s come.
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.