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A young client at Bloorview Kids Rehab uses an AAC device to interact with her friends, participate in school activities and to learn and grow. Bell's support is enabling us to better understand the telecommunications access challenges of this special needs group.
A new 'voice' for Bloorview
Through our support of Bloorview Kids Rehab in Toronto, we're helping children with disabilities become more connected to their world.
Bell's donation of $150,000 helped Canada's largest children's rehabilitation hospital explore the telecommunications needs of kids who are unable to speak and who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions such as speech-generating devices. It's an important first step in enabling access to telecommunications for AAC users. Access that is critical to education, employment, independent living, self-determination and quality of life.
Just ask Kevin Hall, 21, of Newmarket, Ontario, unable to speak because of congenital spina bifida. "I got my first device from Bloorview when I was two. I started college this year and I want to become a sports journalist one day. I couldn't have come this far or have these dreams without this technology. I'm so glad Bell is interested in helping young people like me."
Our work continues. Propelled by the findings of the initial research, we held an AAC consumer focus group early in 2006 - the first gathering of its kind - to develop a more in-depth understanding of the information barriers encountered by AAC users and their families. All to give special needs customers a voice.
