How Does Melody Talk?
Melody Brooks, the protagonist of Sharon Draper’s novel "Out of My Mind", is a young girl with cerebral palsy who is unable to speak. Despite this, she finds ways to communicate with the world around her. In this article, we will explore how Melody talks and the various methods she uses to express herself.
Melody’s Initial Communication Methods
Initially, Melody uses a board with words on it to communicate with her family and caregivers. This method allows her to express her thoughts and feelings, but it is limited and can be frustrating for her. She longs for a more sophisticated way to communicate and connect with others.
The Medi-Talker
Melody’s desire for a more advanced communication device is fulfilled when she is given a Medi-Talker, a device that allows her to speak using a computerized voice. The Medi-Talker is a significant breakthrough for Melody, as it enables her to express herself more effectively and connect with others in a more meaningful way.
Naming the Medi-Talker
Melody decides to name her Medi-Talker "Elvira", after her favorite song. This personal touch makes the device feel more like a part of her, and she begins to use it to communicate with her family and friends.
Elvira’s Capabilities
Elvira is a powerful tool that allows Melody to express herself in a variety of ways. She can use it to:
- Type out messages and sentences
- Create and edit documents
- Communicate with others through phone calls and video conferencing
- Access the internet and learn new things
Challenges and Limitations
While Elvira is a significant improvement over Melody’s initial communication methods, it is not without its challenges and limitations. Melody still faces difficulties with spelling and grammar, and she often struggles to find the right words to express herself. Additionally, Elvira is a bulky device that can be difficult to maneuver, and Melody sometimes finds it frustrating to use.
Comparison to Ollie’s Situation
Melody’s situation is mirrored in that of Ollie, a dog who is also unable to speak. Like Melody, Ollie is trapped in his own body and is unable to express himself in the way that he would like. This comparison highlights the common struggles faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of finding ways to communicate and connect with others.
Conclusion
Melody’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of communication and connection. Despite the challenges and limitations she faces, Melody finds ways to express herself and connect with others through her Medi-Talker, Elvira. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals with disabilities, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in our society.
Additional Resources
- Melody’s Communication Methods
- Board with words
- Medi-Talker (Elvira)
- Elvira’s Capabilities
- Typing out messages and sentences
- Creating and editing documents
- Communicating with others through phone calls and video conferencing
- Accessing the internet and learning new things
- Challenges and Limitations
- Spelling and grammar difficulties
- Frustration with using the device
- Bulky device that can be difficult to maneuver
Table: Melody’s Communication Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Board with words | Initial method of communication, limited to pre-written words |
| Medi-Talker (Elvira) | Computerized voice device, allows for more advanced communication |
Bullets: Elvira’s Capabilities
• Typing out messages and sentences
• Creating and editing documents
• Communicating with others through phone calls and video conferencing
• Accessing the internet and learning new things