Sam Moore's finally able to say 'mummy' (From Thisisdorset)

Sam Moore's finally able to say 'mummy'

10:30am Monday 15th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(1)

IT took more than six years, a lot of hard work, and a computer device worth several thousand pounds for Sam Moores to be able to say his first clear word – “Mummy”.

But now there’s no stopping the disabled youngster, who attends Victoria Education Centre in Poole.

Sam was born with cerebral palsy after his identical twin died when their mother Helen Exley was seven months pregnant.

“It took two to make one magnificent one.

“He’s amazing,” she said.

Although the condition affected his speech, his mother has always been able to understand him.

“We talk all the time, which is how I knew we needed device like this,” she said.

“I know how much he’s got in his head that needs to come out. With the best will in the world, it’s really difficult for strangers to understand the language we have developed over the years.”

Through touching symbols on the screen, Sam can form words that are converted into speech by the computer, provided by the charity the Stars Foundation.

“This piece of kit is a life saver. It’s going to give him the opportunity not just to communicate but also to access the social side of life and get his thoughts across. Just because you see the body as it is, it doesn’t mean the mind isn’t there,” said Helen, of Blandford St Mary.

Although Sam has not had his Liberator Eco2 for long, he is making fast progress with the help of teachers and speech therapists at the school.

“He did say ‘Mummy’. After six and a half years it was incredible,” said Helen.

“Having this aid brings a bit more normality. Tantrums are a lot less because he can talk through it. You’re able to delve a bit deeper and find out more about things. One of his constant words is ‘why?’.”

Speech and language therapist Diane Lewis said: “Helen and Sam have their own language, but she’s found they can now have proper conversations. Sam’s coming up with original ideas.

“We support Sam with his language development. Eventually he will be linking words together and making sentences. He’s a lovely boy and the support from his mum has made a huge difference to his ability to use the device.”

The Daily Echo-backed Sparkle Appeal aims to raise £750,000 by March next year to fund a replacement hydrotherapy pool and therapy centre, including speech and language.