Rand’s Minspeak Journey

Rand Surbey is a 36-year-old man who uses a Vanguard to communicate. His Vanguard is provided by Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA), in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Rand wrote his story primarily using Unity®45 Sequenced on his Vanguard. Sections in bold and quotations were written in Rand’s own words with the Vanguard. The remainder was conveyed through gestures, and yes/no questioning by a familiar partner.

I received my first AlphaTalker when I was in Grade 6.

“It was a long and slow“ process and “frustrating for my teachers. My teacher in school had to push me to learn. It went downhill from there.” Before the AlphaTalker, I used a “communication book and my hands” to communicate. I attended the “I Can Talk Too camp through Sunny Hill Hospital.” Over 23 years (1985 – 2008) I had several AlphaTalkers. “It sat on the shelf for a long time.” I didn’t have people to encourage and support me in learning Minspeak on the AlphaTalker. I received support “on and off.”

I did receive support over the years from my therapists at GF Strong. “That was the key. I was on wait” list “to see Anne” at GF Strong for a long time. “I need to show her and Jeff I can learn” Minspeak. “I worked with Anne and Jeff. They found me” volunteers through UBC. “They fought with government” to obtain funding for a SGD for me.

“That is when CAYA came to be with some hard work. They make it more people. I can speak for me. That was what Jeff wanted and I want for me. We can’t forget the hard work that Jeff did and does. Some hard work for me to make it work for me. People they can’t or they don’t want to understand it. The key is more education about communication devices. I need not become frustrated with the people. When I lost my Vanguard I feel frustrated with myself. This is my talker. It helps me speak. I hope that CAYA does not stop. That is my hope.”