Meet Lena
This is the story of Lena, a Grid Pad 13 user in Germany. Her journey with assistive technology is an example of how AAC can empower individuals to express themselves and live independently. This story was shared by REHAVISTA, an AAC provider and proud member of the Smartbox Family. 24-year-old Lena sits confidently in her wheelchair, ready to showcase her brand new Grid Pad 13 with Vida eye gaze as the REHAVISTA team enters the Tessarek family’s living room. Back in April, Lena had the chance to test the device before its official release. Despite the excitement, she handles the photo shoot with ease – perhaps because it’s not her first. Her last shoot with REHAVISTA was many years ago, back when she was still in kindergarten. It’s wonderful to celebrate such a long-standing success story together. Lena navigates through the Grid Pad 13 with eye gaze, visibly enthusiastic. Her mother, Manuela Tessarek, and REHAVISTA consultant, Dominik Müller, are by her side, though Lena hardly needs any assistance. She quickly gets started, and with the help of Grid 3 software, Lena shares her passions: travelling to Italy, where she loves cappuccino, lasagna, prawns, pizza, and swimming in the sea. She also enjoys cycling along the Weser with her family—always with good food like sushi and cheeseburgers. One of her more unique hobbies? Climbing with her wheelchair. Lena only accepts the impossible if there truly is no way forward. In addition to her happy moments, Lena opens up about more serious topics, such as the passing of her beloved grandfather, which still deeply affects her. With her Grid Pad 13, Lena can share not only her grief but also her frustrations. Like many AAC users, she feels the anger of being underestimated: “When people treat me like a baby, talk to me as if I were one, or make decisions over my head. I am always underestimated. Many people think I don’t understand them and talk to my companion instead.” But Lena has a lot to say – you just have to listen!
Mastering the Grid Pad 13 with eye gaze
Expressing emotion through AAC