Published March 9, 2008
The Charlotte Observer
By Katherine Dale
Earlier this month, a group of area children who need communication devices to speak discovered a new way to socialize: small toy dogs paired with the Internet.
Webkinz -- plush toy black labs that incorporate online games, social networking and other elements of virtual play -- can provide a fun and innovate way to communicate, said Susan Haas. Susan's daughter Lexi, 5, has cerebral palsy and uses a device called an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) device.
"You want them to see that there's a fun side to this technology," Susan said. "It's not just a sense of urgency that `Hey, you've got to do this now because people can't understand what you're saying.' It's a game they can enjoy, and one that can help them learn."
Celeste Helling, a speech pathologist with the N.C. Assistive Technology Program, said the toys involve sequencing, vocabulary and a variety of other academic concepts.
A handful of kids came out for a recent Webkinz event, held at Charlotte Christian School, during which volunteers helped them program their new "pets."
After picking names and printing birth certificates for their pups, they went online, where they learned how to personalize their virtual rooms and select clothes for the cyber dogs. The clothes help determine who's who online.
"It's very safe because you can't just type in whatever you want," Susan said. "All of the chatting is pre-scripted ... they can select quickly what they want to say. No one on the other end knows they're in a wheelchair or can't speak."
The giveaway was sponsored by Lexi's Voice, a grass-roots project initiated by Lexi Haas' family to provide support for children who use communication devices. Before long, the project morphed to include community inclusion and integration activities.
About a dozen kids participate regularly in group meetings and activities, which are held every few months. Parents are talking about organizing a monthly meeting for support and troubleshooting, and also to share stories about their kids' lives and treatment options.
Added Kasey Haas, 17, a junior at Charlotte Latin who helped launch Lexi's Voice: "I'd like to get more kids and volunteers involved, and then maybe split the group into different age groups so we can be more responsive to what kids need at different ages."
The group, which in addition to meetings takes trips to places such as Carowinds and Carolina Place Mall, is seeking volunteers interested in helping at events.
Hannah Haas, who also had a hand in organizing Lexi's Voice, said she considers the kids she helps friends. The 13-year-old won a nationwide competition for young inventors in January by using bubble wrap to create a wallpaper to engage autistic children.
Hannah, Kasey, Susan and Lexi went to Raleigh on Friday to speak with the Grant Advisory Council about their mission and getting more people involved.
The council, affiliated with the N.C. Assistive Technology Program, has advisers from across North Carolina who help guide programs related to people with disabilities. The oldest Haas daughter, Kali, is trying to start a branch in Chapel Hill, where she's a student.
"Lexi has a 160 IQ but can't say a word," Susan said. "All of the children involved in this group are very bright -- all on grade level -- but have severe physical limitations that impair their ability to communicate in an intelligible way...
"We want their voices to be heard."
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