By Anthony Arnold, PRC-Saltillo Ambassador
I’m Anthony Arnold, an augmentative and alternative communicator from San Tan Valley, Arizona (originally from Grand Forks, North Dakota). As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m reminded of one special gift filled with love and communication. As I wrote in a recent blog, I received my first communication device, the Touch Talker, in December of 1985. At this time, communication devices of any kind were fairly new, and insurance companies weren’t keen on purchasing them for individuals like me. I was seven at the time, so I don’t exactly know what unfolded, other than insurance denied me. Therefore, my grandparents, John and Mary Arnold, farmers and livestock producers near Esmond, North Dakota, stepped up to the plate and bought me my first communication device.
My grandma only got to see me communicating with my device once because she died shortly afterwards. When I think of this, she must have died happy with knowing that I had some form of communication, not only to help me learn in school, but to thrive throughout life with establishing friendships, living independently, and gaining employment.
My grandpa died nine years later, so he got to see my second communication device, the Liberator, which was a significant update back in those days. I don’t remember exactly what he thought, but I know that he was happy knowing I had some way to express my mind.
Technology might have changed over the years, but each morning when I wake up and turn my communication device on, I’m reminded of this incredible gift I received from my grandparents, and how I have progressed with communication throughout the past 40 years, which is an incredible accomplishment in itself.
In closing, I wish to thank Grandma and Grandpa for believing in me and in this technology, and for believing that it would help me live life to the fullest. And now I get to pass this amazing gift on to others needing a voice, which is like the cherry on the sundae.
I would also like to suggest listening to "The Last Song" by Elton John, which reminds me of this journey I have been on and the paths I have yet to experience.
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Communicators In Action - love, communication, grandma