Explanation

For all of you who saw my rant on facebook and wondererd what was going on with Ian's communication device, I will post the Reader's Digest version of the saga.  First though, I must say that I didn't intend to rant, but I was/am very frustrated.  Ever since Ian came home (over 2 years ago), different folks have been trying to figure out what kind of device would work best for Ian.  It's all so very complicated because we don't know exactly how his eyes work (we know he sees, but not sure how), his hand is fairly functional but he doesn't have great fine motor skills, and he is only just now starting to learn how to read (actually, memorizing sight words).  So, after trying several things that didn't seem to be working well, we took him to Easter Seals Crossroads (wonderful folks there!) and had him evaluated by a therapist who, after trying several devices, landed on the best fit for Ian.  It is larger than most, so he can see and access the icons.  It is an amazing piece of technology made by the Prentke Romich company (more wonderful folks there, too!) and we were able to rent it for 4 months (they usually only allow 30 days) so we could evaluate Ian's ability to learn to use it.  During that time, the wheels were already turning to submit the proposal to our insurance company for the purchase of the device so he wouldn't have to be without one, if we decided on it.  Also during that time frame, Ian has been learning to use it to communicate with the staff and peers at school.  He carries on conversations with the secretaries when he takes the attendance to the office; he asks his classmates who is getting lunch; he participates in calendar and weather; he answers questions about time, letters, sight words, math, etc.  At home he can tell me which toy he wants to play with while he's on his wedge for therapy.  When everyone is talking, he can say "Excuse me, I have something to say."  He can tell knock-knock jokes (which you can imagine how much he loves doing!) and all of that is barely scratching the surface of what it will do. This is getting long and the bottom line is that the rental unit has to go back next week and I found out on Monday (why does it have to take so long???) that our insurance will only cover about half of the $10,000 price tag because Prentke Romich isn't "in network" (although they've been trying to get in for 2 years!) 
All that to say that this very determined mama will find a way to get him that device and sooner rather than later.  I am contacting service organizations, United Cerebral Palsy foundation, etc.  If anyone knows of a philanthropic group who might want to give a child a voice, please let me know!  Everyone who knows me knows I abhor asking for money (and was terrible at doing so in a job that required it!) but I'll do whatever it takes for Ian to have what he needs.  If you care to see more of what this device is, here is the site:  https://store.prentrom.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/53
And, believe it or not, that is an abbreviated version of the story!