CHAT can’t do this work without your support.
Donate today and give the gift of communication to more children in need.
Meet Max, an eight-year-old boy with Cerebral Palsy (CP). He is minimally vocal and communicates with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device.
But Max knows what he likes and isn’t afraid to tell you.
When CHAT started working with Max last year, we thought he’d do well with eye gaze-activated AAC. But no, Max made clear that he preferred touch-activated, and we helped find the right device for him. Now Max can tell us to play a game his way and share facts on favorite wrestlers. When he first got the device, he told his SLP that she was boring; a short time after, he used it to tell her, “I love you.”
Max had speech therapy before, but we see him at his favorite place, The Center for Independence (CFI). CHAT has partnered with CFI since summer 2023 to bring speech therapy onsite, co-treating individuals with their occupational and physical therapists.
This has proved effective for Max, who now communicates much more effectively and is building friendships.
“I think that is why Max loves CHAT. It allows him to connect with his peers and that inclusion is what he wants.” – Max’s Mom, Megan
In more ways than one, CHAT meets Max where he is. We see his strengths, honor his wishes, and help him communicate in ways that empower him.
We need YOU to help us serve more children like Max with life-changing speech services. Will you donate today?
Click Here & Give Today- $1,500 equips a supportive sensory room in CHAT’s clinic.
- $1,000 funds a scholarship for an intensive summer therapy program.
- $750 covers three months of life-changing speech and language services.
- $500 buys an iPad to bring AAC tools to children in their communities.
- $250 funds a comprehensive speech-language evaluation.
- $100 buys a child a set of books for CHAT’s literacy program.
100% of annual appeal donations fund direct services for children in need.
“Thank you so much, it’s so nice to be understood.”
– CHAT Client, Nigel, Age 9
“Speech therapy for kids is not just about finding their voice, it’s about building resilience. The skills they develop today will empower them to face the future with unwavering determination and grace.”
– Anil Varghese, Board Co-Chair, Managing Director, FTI Consulting