Client shows humor transcends language through help of assistive technology

David S. attends Alternative Services. His neuromuscular condition allows minimal body movement, no fine motor skills and a few words only understood by familiar listeners. In many places, the level of personal care he needs would be the focus of his programming. However, David and his mother chose Merrick where personal needs are the focus along with opportunities to communicate his wants and desires. and David has a lot to communicate.

Support Service Coordinator Dede Hauck was told that David’s main mode of communication was limited to facial and eye expressions. A look to the left means one thing; a look upward means another. In an attempt to understand him better she asked him some questions. The only look she understood was the one that told her “enough with the funny questions, lady.”

She was providing hand over hand guidance for David at lunch time recently and had a hard time with how much to put on the spoon. He was clenching his mouth so tight she wondered if she was giving him too much food. As she tried a few different approaches, a coworker tried to help her out, “He only eats for Andie.” Which would be fine if Andie promised to never take a day off. Resorting to humor, Dede told David that she locked Andie in a closet and if he ever wanted to see her again, “he better open up, buster.” As she spooned in the next mouthful, he laughed and laughed. Now that’s communication!

David has also been using assistive technology (AT) which allows his cheek to activate a button that connects to an adaptation on his wheelchair. Staff can honor his wants and needs (and jokes!) and then he can communicate with others. He has an amazing personality and especially loves being able to share humor with others. Most touching was a moment at his team meeting recently when he was able to welcome everyone and share what he does at Merrick through AT. David is a prime example that with the right support, everyone can share their goals and dreams.❖