Need 2 Know: A Boy's Wish to Talk

DAYTON, OH (WDTN) - Imagine your child not being able to tell you what they want or need. Share a thought or feeling. A communication device is changing that for patients with speech problems. Here's what you need to know about how it works and how you can help.

When ten-year old Neal Lain flashes his signature big smile, it's easy to see he's happy. But if he wants to tell you what's on his mind, he relies on a communication device called a DynaVox. "My talker helps me talk to people." says Neal through is computer. "If he hadn't had a dynavox, he'd be in a special ed classroom, doing very basic non-academic work. He has been able to prove he can do academic work. He's in a regular third grade." says Neal's mother Sunnie Lain.

For five years now, Neal has gone to Children's medical center to learn how to better communicate using a DynaVox. Sara Martin is Neal's Speech Language Pathologist, "We work on being able to maintain a conversation and being able to answer questions, and be able to ask questions. Then we usually work on some vocabulary skills." By navigating through a series of screens, Neal can participate in church, school and joke around with his friends. "He has a button with a bathroom page, so he makes little bathroom jokes with his friends. Anything 10 year old boys would do. It really helps him be part of the group and be included." said his mother. And just last year, Neal used his DynaVox to win a spelling bee. But his biggest accomplishment is his ability to enjoy life to the fullest. "I knew it was in there, it was just getting it out. It's nice to be able to talk to him on a deeper level. He does do some sign language, but this lets us know on a deeper level his wants and needs." said his mother.

The cost of a DynaVox ranges between five and 17 thousand dollars. Unfortunately, most private insurance companies don't cover the cost. If you'd like to help patients like Neal afford a communication device, you can find a link to Children's Medical Center under Need 2 Know web links.