Talking with Technology Camp!
Meeting Nick Roussos for the first time is essentially a quick lesson in 
the advances of technology. He uses an ECO II device, fondly named “Percy”, to speak …. a computer, if you will.
Kids from all over Colorado have enjoyed learning how Nick communicates. During his presentations in schools, he carries along his first ECO model so that students and teachers can test drive it themselves! Click here to see Nick’s Speaker Flyer.
The Children’s Hospital Colorado, in conjunction with Colorado Easter Seal Society, conducts a Camp in the summer for kids who use such a device to communicate. Talking With Technology (TWT) Camp is a week-long program developed by Children’s Hospital Colorado for young people ages 6 to 21 who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Children’s Hospital Colorado contracts with the Colorado Easter Seal Society for this week to be held each summer at its camp facility, Rocky Mountain Village, in Empire, Colorado.
This unique week-long program pairs the child with a graduate student or professional trainer the camper knows from school (such as a OT, paraprofessional, speech or ABA therapist). The pair then train together throughout the week.
What an amazing opportunity to find ways for those without the ability to speak to find effective alternatives to make themselves heard!
Thanks Children’s Hospital and Colorado Easter Seals. Your work is truly awesome!
A Community Event Worthy of Note – A.R.O.’s Giant Friends Club Event
Inspiration Park in Fort Collins
Nick and the AiA team spent a warm and sunny day at Inspiration Playground in Spring Canyon Park on Friday at the Giant Friend’s Club. The Adaptive Recreation Opportunities folks with the City of Fort Collins (the folks responsible for some of Nick’s crazy antics on the slopes and in the water) put on this community event.
The AiA team met some awesome folks and artists!
The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program presented an amazing show with their Swainson’s Hawk and Barn Owl. How the kids loved those birds! 
You gotta appreciate their teaching style!
Addie Stroh, pictured in the lovely gray knit hat, has informed us that she will be famous one day. Indeed we think her artistic ability deserves some exposure!
Addie Stroh shows off her coloring page
It is rumored that we were visited by the nephew and great-nephew of the famed Broadway star Ms. Rita Moreno! Young master Hudson (age 3-4) joyfully colored Nick.
961 United Artists. Credit: ©
1961 United Artists / Courtesy Pyxurz.
Ms Annabelle Neely joined us a few times during the event, explaining some of her experience with Cerebral Palsy, and asking about Nick’s book and his rumored pet lion. Yes Annabelle, Nick in fact grew up with a pet lion while in Ethiopia as a boy!
Addie and Annabelle hanging out
Rocky Mountain Raptor Center shows off a Swainson’s hawk
A barn owl checks me out!
What a warm and enlightening community event. Thank you ARO because you bring together all different people in our towns to learn about the gifts we all can offer. You are truly Awesome in Action!
Me at my booth!
