Pranoy Solomon is 12 years old, in 6th grade, and a self-advocate for Disability Inclusion. He is an AAC user due to a motor speech disorder called Apraxia, affecting brain pathways that are used in planning and sequencing for producing speech. Pranoy was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) at birth. What that means is that he has an intellectual disability. He started speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy from his very first year. He was diagnosed with Apraxia at age 3. AAC was introduced when he started kindergarten at age 5. Pranoy is a visual learner, word reader, social butterfly, and can adapt to situations well. He is also mindful when it comes to the activity at hand.
Pranoy’s iPad Pro works as his voice. He calls his device, “talker.” For communication, he uses the TouchChat HD app. He also uses his iPad for learning grade-level academic content AND context which is simplified for him via approved educational apps. It is an educational accommodation listed on his IEP (Individualized Education Plan). What that means is that Pranoy is fully dependent on this device to speak, question, answer, joke, remark, present, research, inquire, and even advocate on Capitol Hill.
