For Azucena Vaca and her son Frank, connecting with Carmine Cammarata, a Person-Centered Technologist, was life changing. Cammarata was able to do a tech assessment with the Vacas in order to understand how technology could better serve Frank. Frank had been using an iPad to communicate, but he was struggling to fully express himself.

“I met with Frank and his mom, and we talked about some of the things Frank wanted to do,” said Cammarata. “The iPad he was using was a little small, and the screen wasn’t big enough for him to easily see what he was saying.”

Through YAI's Center for Innovation and Engagement, Cammarata was able to get Vaca a new, larger-screened iPad Pro. Cammarata then worked with Frank, Azucena, and Frank’s Speech Therapist to ensure they chose the ideal communication application for his new device.

In addition to installing a communication app with more capabilities, Cammarata helped the Vacas install other apps and reviewed the device’s accessibility vision features.

Cammarata also noted that the new device will open more doors for Frank moving forward. “This is for communication, but it’s also Frank’s personal iPad. He can use it for whatever he wants—exploring interests, things like that.”

“This is something Frank really needs,” said Azucena. “His old iPad was very restricted. He couldn’t do anything. I’m very happy, I can’t believe it.”