Description
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Ivan was adopted as a young child and lives with Dandy-Walker syndrome and multiple disabilities. He is missing a large part of his brain, and doctors never expected him to think, smile, or communicate. But against all odds, Ivan found his voice.
Using a communication device, Ivan can express his thoughts, preferences, and emotions by selecting words with his eyes. Through this technology, he told me "I don't like when people are mean to me."
Because of Ivan's appearance and disabilities, children will sometimes ask his mom questions like, "Is he dead?" While those questions can be difficult to hear, he and his family would much rather have an honest conversation than watch parents quietly pull their children away. Those moments of avoidance are often what hurt Ivan the most.
00:00 Meet Ivan
04:41 His Communication Explained
12:40 Ivan's Adoption Story
15:01 A Look at His Device
18:31 Ivan's Diagnosis
22:12 Their Daily Routine
25:17 Ivan's Hobbies