Meet Hudson & How He Found His Voice

At just four months old, Hudson was diagnosed with a visual impairment and other challenges. His mother, a single mom juggling the needs of two children, was overwhelmed and uncertain about what the future held for her son. She was handed a few phone numbers to call, and her first call was to CCVI. 

That call changed everything. 

Soon after, a team from CCVI—including a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech-language pathologist—began visiting Hudson’s home in a suburb of Kansas City. They not only worked with Hudson but also helped his mom navigate the challenges of raising a child with visual impairments. 

Life wasn’t easy for Hudson. Unable to speak, he struggled to express his needs, which led to frustration and frequent meltdowns. As he entered his toddler years, his inability to communicate affected the entire family. He would scream and cry, his emotions spilling over with no way to be understood. But then, small victories began to emerge—he learned to shake his head for “no,” giggle for “yes,” and take his mother’s hand to guide her toward what he wanted. 

Then, last fall, everything changed. 

CCVI’s speech-language pathologists helped Hudson’s mom apply for a grant to get him an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. This device, designed to help nonverbal children communicate through pictures, symbols, or text, became Hudson’s voice, as a matter of fact he calls it his “talker”. 

At just two and a half years old, Hudson took to the device immediately. For the first time, he could ask for his favorite toys and snacks. But more importantly, he could tell his mother he loved her. 

Can you imagine the joy and connection this created for both of them? 

Even more importantly, he is now able to communicate when he’s “all done” or had “enough”, which has reduced outbursts and empowered him to express his needs 

Moments like these small breakthroughs are monumental for our children and their families, and they are possible because of the support and dedication of our teachers, therapists, staff and donors. As a community when we come together to support one mission, anything is possible. 

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