Another Therapy Focus customer, 16-year-old Muji, lives with cerebral palsy and uses a jelly bean style switch to operate her voice output device. A jelly bean switch, which vibrates and makes a sound when touched, is the best option for Muji as it suits her complex physical needs.
Advanced Speech Pathologist Ruyi Tong has been working with Muji for the past five years and has seen her achieve greater independence through switching.
“Before she was able to switch, Muji relied on a PODD book to communicate. She found this method really challenging, as it relied on other people setting up her PODD book and understanding her communication cues,” Ruyi said.
“Now she uses a jellybean switch mounted to her wheelchair to operate her voice output device, which allows her to initiate conversations on her own.”
Muji’s Mum Nurul said that she had never seen her daughter so enthusiastic about talking and telling jokes.
“It has taken us almost three years to find a suitable talker, develop her switching skills and find a suitable switch and mount. But the wait was worth it,” Nurul said.