An update from Shauna, Norah’s mom:
After attending USDB for about 2-1/2 years, we transitioned to mainstreaming Norah at our local elementary school. We were very fortunate that her new speech therapist happened to have extensive experience with Proloquo2go. Her communication has continued to flourish! We have always let Norah show us what her needs and preferences were. As time went on, she began to use her voice more and more. It was a very gradual transition, but she no longer uses Proloquo2go. However, I truly believe that it unlocked her expressive skills, thus paving the way for her to find her own voice. She still receives quite a bit of speech therapy, but she continues to make huge improvements.
Since ASL was her first language, she greatly benefits from using technology to help “polish” her communication in English. She finds it much easier to express herself when she can type and get real-time, automated help with spelling, grammar, etc.
Norah is currently attending 4th grade via Davis Connect. Norah is absolutely thriving in this digital platform. Her disabilities are much less of an obstacle since she can use a laptop, a microphone (this is a HUGE help!), and even equipment better suited for her physical needs.