It is always good to hear success stories, and at Epping Forest College there are just so many of them! For a number of years Andrea Slade has been supporting the students to use a variety of communication aids to increase their communication skills and encourage their independence. Andrea's students are now recognised as the 'happiest and chattiest' students on campus!

Harold is a student in his late 20s with severe communication difficulties. The Go Talk triggered a realisation in Harold that spoken words communicate. The first breakthrough came within just a couple of weeks of using the device when Harold talked for the first time ever. Initially he only repeated the words that he heard on the device. However, very quickly afterwards came the second breakthrough; Harold, again for the very first time in his life, began to use a pen/pencil to form marks and shapes. Less than two years on and Harold is now beginning to form letters, gesture and use words to respond to others, ask questions, make decisions and choices for himself and generally develop all-round communication skills in a way that no-one ever thought possible.

Richard has Williams Syndrome. His father's wish was that Richard would be able to communicate to him what he did during the day. Andrea arranged for Richard to try out an electronic Attainment Talker. Within just a few weeks he was able to use it to communicate with his father. Richard is now about to receive a new communication device to further expand his communication.

Shafiq is an elective mute.  No-one has ever heard him talk at the college; however, his mother says that he occasionally talks at home, although usually it is only when he is experiencing extreme emotions such as extreme happiness or sadness. Andrea gave Shafiq a personalised sign language communication book and a Go Talk electronic communication device.  He is now able to use these communication aids to respond to others and make decisions and choices.

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