Another eval for Jewel

Tomorrow I have to take Jewel to Children's Specialized main campus about an hour and a half from home to evaluated for an augmentative communication device. (This device is a portable computer like device that will speak for her, think of a talking PECS book.) We have been looking forward to this evaluation for many, many months, even though I am on the fence about the whole thing. Will she use it? Will it benefit her? Will it stunt her desire to verbalize? Who will be paying for it, insurance, school, an organization? (This device depending on the type they say would be best for her can cost thousands of dollars.) Will it be worth all the training that must go into it? Would that time be better spent doing even more speech therapy? So many questions, so few answers. I should be used to it being that way because since birth things have always been so unknown with Jewel.

Jewel has absolutely made tons of progress since the start of summer. Does that mean she is up to par. NO! Her speech is still very unintelligible especially to people who are not familiar with her. Even those familiar with her (including us) have trouble understanding her at time. At first glance Jewel may seem like a very impatient child, but in reality if you think about the obstacles that she faces daily with communicating and the frustration that she encounters, you will understand she is one of the most patient, level headed people you have ever met, adult or child. Yes we get frustrated not understanding what she is saying at times, it's then we have to stop and put ourselves in HER shoes. Imagine her agony. The words are right there in her head and her mouth does not cooperate to make them come out so people understand.

Most parents like to brag how smart their children are. If you know me, you know I tell it like it is about my kids. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and I do not mask any of that. Jewel though is an amazingly bright child though. Above average in all areas except speech. Her writing and drawing skills are unreal and have been since she was old enough to grasp a pencil. The things she is capable of are really unknown since we do not get a true picture of it, due to her lack of verbal skills.

Anyway, tomorrow we are headed to the evaluation, just Jewel and I unfortunately due to work schedules. I am praying for the weather to be warm enough to not be icy and clear. I would appreciate if you could do the same, missing this appointment is not an option.