A very original perspective

As part of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we caught up with Griet Vanhee, a speech therapist and Solutions Consultant with Tobii Dynavox, for her perspective on how assistive communication helps kids with cerebral palsy (CP) share their individuality and make strides towards independence.

Next month, Griet will team up with Linnea, a bright, confident 12-year-old girl with CP, to deliver a talk at the Women in Tech conference in Stockholm, Sweden. They’ll discuss how assistive communication enables Linnea to pursue public speaking and encourages her to dream big about her future.

Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood physical disability. Caused by abnormal brain development or damage before, during, or shortly after birth, it affects over 17 million people. While not everyone with CP experiences communication challenges, many rely on high-tech assistive communication to express themselves.

See Griet and Linnea speak at Women in Tech in Stockholm April 22, 2026.

What do you enjoy about working with kids with cerebral palsy?

What quickly attracted me to this group of young people is that, despite their communication difficulties, they are certainly not shy about expressing themselves. Because communication takes time and energy, they tend to be very direct and honest, which I really appreciate.

I am also often amazed by their philosophical reflections. Because they are sometimes less involved in conversations around them, they spend a lot of time thinking and reflecting. This often gives them a very original perspective on the world.

How can a speech therapist support a child with CP on their assistive communication journey?

AAC is not only about requesting things. Therapists can encourage children to share their opinions, tell jokes, ask questions, and stand up for themselves. They can support them in developing school skills, building relationships, and becoming more independent.

When they try an eye gaze device, what do kids respond to first?

Many children quickly respond to the possibilities that an AAC device gives them beyond communication alone. For children who are physically very limited, the device often becomes a gateway to activities and hobbies. They enjoy exploring the internet, watching films or videos, listening to music, or even creating things themselves, such as making videos or digital art using their eyes.

How can assistive communication help them learn to read and write?

Learning to read and write can happen in different ways for AAC users. Some children learn to recognise whole words visually and develop reading skills through word recognition. Others use their speech generating device to vocalise letters and sounds, and then blend those sounds in their minds to form words.

The important thing is that non-speaking children can absolutely learn to read and write.

How does assistive communication help them think about their future?

Assistive communication can open many doors for these young people. It allows them to participate more fully in school, social life, and the world around them. Their AAC device becomes not only a communication tool but also a way to explore interests, develop hobbies, and express their ideas. It helps them share opinions, build friendships, and imagine their future with more independence and confidence.

Learn more about how we support people with CP.