Will Taylor was an 11 year old boy from Marietta Georgia, born in 1991. He got his first wheelchair when he was three years old but always preferred standing on his feet rather than sitting down. His medical history was extensive since birth. He had several successful surgeries to correct orthopedic, range of motion, and vision problems. He conquered seizures through the Ketogenic diet.

Will was nonverbal but used many ways to communicate through the years. For quick communication he used tongue clicks for yes and no, and Big Macs for simple choices. Learning and developing language kept him busy most of the time. Through the years he used an Alpha Talker, Kenx on a Macintosh PowerBook, Speaking Dynamically, and a PRC Vanguard. The PRC Vanguard served him the best as he learned the power of novel language through the process of single switch access for selection of words through auditory scanning.

Will enjoyed fishing with his Dad, Doug. He loved being read to by his sister Ginia. Going on adventures or to an energy filled home school program with his Mom, Gigi, gave him great pleasure. Will enjoyed the company of his Canine Assistant, Cole.

Ginia, mom Gigi, and Will
Will and Cole	Will and his dad Doug

Through the years Will made several contributions to advancing science and medicine, developing new assistive technology, changing laws and practices in Georgia, and bringing awareness to educators, students, and parents involved with kids with communicative disorders.

Will and his Mom presented at ASHA American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's November 2002 Convention in Atlanta. Will died peacefully in his sleep on December 20, 2002.

 

The legacy of Will Taylor is being preserved through AAC Institute programs that benefit people with disabilities who rely on auditory scanning to support communication using an AAC system. Donations to the AAC Institute in the name of Will Taylor are tax deductible and can be sent to:

AAC Institute
1000 Killarney Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15234

040312