D91 First Grader Receives Student Technology Award From Infinitec

LOCKPORT, IL — Milne-Kelvin Grove District 91 first-grader Tyler Walega was recognized as a 2021 outstanding student technology award recipient by Infinitec of United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago, the district said. Infinitec is the assistive technology program of UCP Seguin.

According to the foundation's website, Infinitec provides information about assistive technology, and training, equipment and access to those who need it.

Tyler attends the Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative program, and uses an iPad that has a display vocabulary system called TouchChat, the school said. The iPad is used at school and home, and allows Tyler to communicate with his family and teachers.

With TouchChat, words, phrases and messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing recorded messages.

Linda McGinnis, LASEC assistive technology specialist, said in a release that Tyler has learned to use the device in more ways than ever imagined.

“Tyler’s device allows him to be an active participant educationally and socially," she said. "Tyler can now ask his friends to play, ask for his favorite toy or foods to eat and express his mad, sad and happy feelings which benefits him like any other functional communicator."