When Hannah Stoker thinks about her daughter Gracie’s communication journey, she describes it as a path shaped by patience, persistence, and the joy of discovering connection. Their introduction to the Center for AAC and Autism and the LAMP approach—thanks to speech-language pathologist Laurie Shaw—became the catalyst for everything that followed.
Gracie, diagnosed with Level three autism and a significant visual impairment, began exploring AAC tools early in life. Her initial experiences with paper-based systems and other high-tech programs were challenging due to visual complexity and limited engagement. But everything changed when she received her Accent 800 device at age five and a half—a purple one, as Hannah proudly notes. With a tool that supported motor planning and reduced visual load, the door to communication began to open.
In the early months, much of Gracie’s work with her device happened through play—singing, exploring vocabulary, and building receptive language without pressure. Hannah remembers this as a time of discovery, where Gracie was free to experiment and learn how her actions created meaningful responses.
Moments That Shaped Gracie’s Growth
Just five months after receiving her device, Gracie had a moment that Hannah will never forget. Their family was on a Polar Express train ride—crowded, noisy, and full of sensory challenges. In the middle of it all, Gracie used her talker to say “quiet,” “story,” and “hear,” letting her family know she couldn’t hear the story being read aloud. It was a small moment, but for Hannah, it was a powerful reminder of why AAC matters. Gracie wasn’t just pressing buttons; she was communicating her needs clearly and purposefully.
As Gracie grew, so did her language. She now speaks verbally more often than she uses her device, but AAC played a crucial role in helping her form multi‑word phrases and express her personality through language. Favorites like “I want strawberries” evolved into joyful expressions such as “Mommy sing music.” When her speech isn’t understood, she instinctively turns to her talker to clarify, treating it as a seamless extension of her communication.
There were challenges, of course. Hannah laughs when she recalls how Gracie’s motor planning and speed far outpaced her own. Learning where vocabulary lived, how to organize categories, and how to add new words felt overwhelming in the beginning. But with Laurie’s support, online tutorials, and help from customer service, Hannah became more confident. Today, she and Gracie make vocabulary decisions together—honoring the intuitive way Gracie navigates her device.
Hannah describes her daughter as joyful, silly, smart, and wonderfully persistent. One of her favorite stories involves Gracie advocating for herself. If she’s told “no,” she’ll switch to her talker and try again: “play iPad,” as if to say “Don’t you hear me?” It’s both funny and a clear sign that she understands how communication works—and how to make sure she’s heard.
Her love of cause‑and‑effect toys became another important piece of her AAC success. Understanding that pressing a button leads to something meaningful helped her grasp the power of language on her device. Whether it was requesting music, asking to jump, or wanting someone to sing, she quickly learned that her words could make things happen.
Moving Forward, One Moment at a Time
Looking back, Hannah says the journey can feel intimidating in the beginning, but she encourages parents to stay patient. “If you're patient and persistent, you and your child are going to reap the rewards.” She also stresses the importance of seeking help—from therapists, educators, or community members—because “it’s only going to benefit you and your child.”
When asked to capture the experience in three words, Hannah chose patience, progress, and connection. “Communication” was her first instinct, but she says “connection” fits better. Once Gracie realized that her words could help others understand her, something shifted. “It was like a switch went off,” Hannah remembers. “She was like, ‘Oh, you know what I want. You know what I need.’”
Hannah also speaks passionately about advocacy. Navigating resources can be frustrating, but she urges parents to continue pushing. “You’re not only helping yourself—you’re helping your kid, which in the long run is only going to help them succeed.” Preparing Gracie for the world is always on her mind. “I may not always be there to hold her hand,” she says. “She’s going to have to learn how to communicate with people outside of mom.”
Hannah and Gracie’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, love and the right tools. Through the LAMP approach, Gracie found her voice-and her family found a deeper connection. For parents just beginning this journey, Hannah’s experience offers hope, guidance, and a reminder that every step forward is a step toward understanding.