ableFamilies in Real Life:

Meet Mitzy and Lily

Welcome to “ableFamilies in Real Life,” where we celebrate the everyday victories, challenges, and heartwarming moments of ableFamilies. Today, we’re happy to introduce you to Mitzy—an ableFamilies Parent Enthusiast—Lily and their family from Olympia, Washington. A family whose love for the outdoors and commitment to communication shines through every day.

Family First

Mitzy and Jeremy are proud parents to Ezra, age six, and Lily, age five, as well as a beloved family dog. Mitzy is an Army veteran, and Jeremy is currently serving. Their family thrives on adventure, often spending sunny days hiking or visiting the zoo. Lily, their youngest, is a QuickTalker Freestyle user and has brought new perspectives and joy to their lives.

Finding a Voice

Since Lily received her AAC device—affectionately called “Lily’s Voice” (pronounced “poise,” just as Lily says it)—her receptive language has blossomed. While Lily may not always communicate verbally, she uses her “voice” to express her needs and connect with her family. The family has adapted their home by labeling frequently used items, making communication more accessible for everyone.

Building Communication at Home

The first six months with the QuickTalker were a learning experience. Mitzy and Jeremy spent a lot of time modeling how to use the device, even as Lily would navigate to her “signs” page and tell them to stop using it! It was the only feature she used at first, but persistence paid off.

Making It Part of Daily Life

Now, “Lily’s Voice” goes everywhere with the family. The hot pink handle ensures it’s never forgotten and having it visible and available has made it a natural part of their routine. The family believes it’s essential for Lily to always have access to her device, no matter where they are.

Tips from Experience

Mitzy encourages other families to explore all the features of their AAC devices early on. “I wish I would have known I could make custom phrases using my voice,” she says, highlighting how personalization has made a difference for Lily.

A Moment to Remember

Moments That Make Us Smile

A recent moment that brought smiles to the Miller family was when they were fostering two puppies. Lily used her device to ask for new buttons for each puppy, lighting up with joy when she could say their names and tell them “No” herself. Watching her light up as she could say their names and give them commands was a heartwarming reminder of how technology can empower and connect.

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.

Chat with Mitzy!

Our team is available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (CST).

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