Children who come to the RCC face daily challenges with determination and courage. The following are a selection of those success stories that profile some remarkable children and youth. Their strength and positive outlook are a source of encouragement for others. These are children who demonstrate ability every day.
Abbien's Story
Abbien was born with a serious neuromuscular disability that resulted in his inability to speak, walk, or independently care for himself. A few years ago Abbien was a shy young boy able to communicate only with people who knew sign language. Even then, Abbien was more likely to respond to others than to start any communication.
That all changed when his Speech Language Therapist put in a request to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation for a Mercury Speech Generating Device. The Foundation enlisted the help of Manitoba Safeway Head Office Employees to raise the $10,000 in funds needed.
Today, Abbien is able to talk with anyone he meets using the Mercury, and he takes the opportunity to do so! The voice synthesizer is clear and easily understood by his classmates, family and friends. Most amazingly his social skills and confidence improved in leaps and bounds as he was able to express his needs, wants and desires for the very first time.
In June 2008 Abbien’s was presented with his school’s Citizenship Award for the tremendous progress he had made from silence to active citizen in his school. From silent to social, the change is dramatic.
