Nick

Nick and his family have tried several times to get him an iPad to better communicate, but each time, they hit a brick wall with the insurance company who refused to fund it. They denied the essential equipment “because he can play games on it,” his mother said. So when Nick learned he was receiving an iPad, keyboard and case from The Eric Fund, he spelled out on his laminate letter board: “I am very excited and grateful!”

Nick, 15, is on the autism spectrum and has challenges communicating verbally. A fun-loving, caring kid, he did not find a communications system that worked for him until he was 10 years old. The app worked only on the iPad, but Nick and his family could not get funding for the device until they found The Eric Fund. In the interim, Nick communicates on a laminate word board. His mom says Nick is a “typical teenager who wants to be able to talk on his own” and not have her translate all his conversations from his board. The iPad will give Nick the independence and autonomy he desires. “The independence is going to be phenomenal. He will have his own voice and be able to talk to anyone he wants to without me being there,” she added.

In his spare time, Nick enjoys walks, basketball, being outside and spending time with family and friends. “He is a great kid,” his mom said. “He brings us so much joy.”