Two weeks ago, something exciting and unexpected happened!
My daughter, Isabelle (Izzy), and I got last minute afternoon tickets to Wonderverse and I thought it would be a fun and unique activity to do the day before her birthday.
We left home early as I planned to go for a walk around the city centre and have lunch before heading to the show. We unpacked everything and I told Isabelle, modelling with PODD on her iPad, “let’s go” “for” “walk” “around” “city”.
As soon as I hooked up her Tobii Dynavox eye gaze device, a computer that she controls with her eyes on her wheelchair, she selected “magazine”. No surprise. It’s the third time in a couple of months that she ‘s asked for magazines. I bought a few different types to see what she might like. I haven’t quite found what she is interested in yet.
I replied, “mummy will get you a magazine” and away we went. We were having a look but I must not have been quick enough because she added, “I need” “help” “get” “am” “can” “me”. No pressure!
Then, I had an epiphany. We went to the State Library of SA and I asked, modelling PODD facing Izzy, “where” “are” “magazine”? Izzy was getting very tired and had difficulty keeping her head up but, as soon as I said “magazine”, it shot straight up.
We went the magazine section. There was a good selection of health, wellness, science and animals magazines. I chose a few different ones and sat down. I told Izzy that, “we will” “look” “at” “photo” “in” “magazine”. I also read and showed her the content.
When I showed her the Australian Photography magazine, Isabelle reached and engaged with the pages. I was speechless! As Izzy developed hand wringing/clasping, a repetitive hand movement characteristic of Rett Syndrome very early on, it is difficult for her to purposely use her hands. It was beautiful to see!
We spent an hour at the Library before heading to Wonderverse. When we got there, I saw that Izzy selected “drive” “photo”. I said, “do you want to go for a drive and take photos?” I didn’t see her response but I know what we are going to give her in the near future, a switch adapted digital camera.”
If you’d like to keep up to date with Isabelle and Marie-Christine, visit their Facebook blog, Readily AACessible