It is amazing how much some people take for granted, such as being able to speak, see and walk. Imagine having to live your life not being able to do any of those things. This is the reality for many people who are living with a disability. However, this perspective changes when you grow up with someone who is struggling with these obstacles. For 16-year-old high school student growing up with his nonverbal sister, he has learned to appreciate all the little things in life that others might take for granted. He was so motivated and determined to help her overcome this tough obstacle, and he eventually succeeded.
But then, one day in January 2017, the teen’s life changed for the better as he discovered an app called “Tap to Talk.” What is great about this app is that it doesn’t require your phone to have internet connection – perfect for Della! That way she can communicate with her brother even when they are not near each other. All Archer has to do is type a message into the app and hit send; his sister will hear the vibrations from her Apple Watch and be able to read what he wrote on its screen.
Archer developed Freespeech as an eighth grader, motivated in part by personal experience. His younger sister has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal; communicating with her has always been a challenge. Archer wanted to create an app that would make communication easier for his family and others like them.
Freespeech is designed to help people communicate without words – whether they’re unable to speak themselves or simply don’t know how to verbally communicate yet. The app allows users to type out what they want to say, then play it back audibly so the other person can understand.
This app helps a lot of people communicate better, and I think it is really cool that her brother developed it! The family noted that the biggest change has been in her ability to connect with others.
“I think one of the coolest things is when I see her interaction with other people and how she can hold a conversation,” said 21-year-old sister Alexa Sartory. “She seems more engaged, like she knows what they are saying and actually enjoys talking to them.”
