Errorless learning at GiGi’s Playhouse

“My 3-year old daughter, Alyssa, has worked with Kayla Kristensen at the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program at GiGi’s Playhouse during the past year. Kayla provides high-quality services and resources while connecting with my daughter in a meaningful way that transcends speech and language. Alyssa is full of delight during the speech sessions! She is esteemed, her thoughts are welcomed and respected, and it is always a fun and dynamic learning environment tailored to Alyssa’s interests. I am blessed to participate in the sessions alongside Alyssa. I benefit so much from Kayla’s modeling and interventions because I am able to later replicate them at home and in the community. Moreover, Kayla’s positive disposition, belief in Alyssa’s capacities, and effectiveness in helping her realize those capacities provides additional role modeling that helps me be a better parent to my daughter.

Each week, Alyssa and I are given practical tools to help her express herself in a variety of creative ways that include speech production, sign language, symbols, and use of her speech generating device (“talker”). When Kayla first introduced the idea of Alyssa using a talker, I felt unsure and even a little sad because at the time I had a narrow view of what it meant to talk. Did this mean that Alyssa would not be able to talk for herself? Fortunately, I kept an open mind and Kayla assisted us through the detailed process of securing a talker for Alyssa.

Since Alyssa began using her talker, she exudes self-confidence, motivation, and joy as she learns to communicate in this new way. It has helped me and those close to Alyssa better understand her on a variety of important levels (i.e., feelings, interests, requests, and preferences). But the device itself is not the game changer. The true game changer has been Kayla’s expertise and ability to help the talker “come alive” for us so that we know how to make it meaningful on increasing levels. Without the weekly implementation support, the benefit and use would have been limited. I love being able to brainstorm with Kayla different ways in which we can use the talker in Alyssa’s day-to-day life, i.e, at the grocery store, the pool, with peers on the playground, during mealtime, potty training, and in school. Kayla is attentive when I explain the struggles or gaps in communication that we are experiencing, and together we come up with communication solutions that make life easier and more enjoyable for both Alyssa and those who interact with her.

One of the most impactful interventions that Kayla conducted was to utilize Alyssa’s talker to go “chat” with people who work in the stores next to Gigi’s Playhouse. For some reason, I was very nervous and felt ill-equipped to help Alyssa use her talker to communicate with others in social situations. When I mentioned this to Kayla, she jumped right in and took us to nearby stores, modeling for me how to support Alyssa in using the device in a way that promoted “errorless learning” (I love this concept!). It was a significant learning lesson for me to see how much others wanted to talk to Alyssa. They did not shy away from her use of the talker; on the contrary, it drew them in to meet her and learn about her. They smiled and showed warmth and interest in Alyssa as she introduced herself and shared some facts about herself – all by herself. It is so wonderful to see her independence grow as her new communication strategies expand and develop. This program at Gigi’s has been, without a doubt, the single most beneficial service that Alyssa has ever received. She continues to thrive and make consistent gains in the program each week. Moreover, Kayla has taught me how to experience the JOY of communicating with Alyssa on a whole new level. It brings me much hope, peace, and happiness to see Alyssa learning about herself, others and the world through the powerful tool of language. I have come to appreciate the variety of ways that this can be achieved.

I am very grateful for the funding and support provided to make this special program possible at GiGi’s Playhouse. I look forward to continued work with Kayla in the future! ” (parent testimonial)

To support our Amina Grace Speech and Language program please donate here:

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