Talk about a great connection! Pictured here are Michael and Pedro, having a laugh as they chatted at Game on State, the inclusive arcade and candy shop in Media, PA.  

What makes their connection even more meaningful is the backstory: Michael is a student at a local high school who’s getting used to using an Augmentative Communication Device (AC). Pedro works at Game on State, and uses his own AC device to greet customers, promote new merchandise, and to let people know more about himself. 

As Michael continues to acclimate to the device, Jonathan, a staff member on our Student Transition team, saw an opportunity for connection. Knowing what an enthusiastic advocate Pedro is for the device, he scheduled a time for the two to meet. They got together at the arcade, and spent a great afternoon playing arcade games and shooting the breeze.  

Michael’s continuing to learn the ins and outs of his device, and it’s helping him become more independent at work and in the world. And more importantly,  he and Pedro each made a new friend.  

For more CIS stories, head to CISworks.org/blog. 
 
[image description: image shows two young men laughing while sitting across from each other at a white table. Michael sits in the foreground, wearing an emerald sweater and a yellow scarf around his neck; Pedro is in the background, wearing a maroon sweater and looking towards Michael as he laughs.]