Book excerpt: Neil and the Cruise Ship Adventure is a story about a young boy who during a cruise ship vacation saves his sister, friends and himself from being trapped by using his talker. Neil's Life and Adventures is a book series that teaches kindness and empathy while giving the young reader the opportunity to enjoy an adventure story with lots of colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text. Neil loves to swim, read, paint, climb trees and play with his friends. He goes to mainstream primary school where he has his closest friends. Neil is non-verbal and uses a talker to communicate. Growing up Neil's biggest wish was to let others know his thoughts and his dreams. He had so many things that he wanted to share, but he just couldn't. He didn't have a way to express his thoughts. One day, his parents got Neil a talker. Neil was very excited that he would be able to express his thoughts and share his ideas with his family and friends. Since this is like learning a new language for Neil, his parents and sister helped him by modeling. Modeling means using the talker to say things while also using your voice. Modeling is fun! Neil's sister models while they play and read books together. Neil's mum models every day when she helps Neil get ready for school and in the evening when telling Neil a bedtime story. Neil's father models while going to the park with him on weekends. Soon everyone around Neil was modeling and helping him learn this new language. Neil picked up on the new language over time and started commenting when people around him were talking. Neil is very grateful for being able to say what he wants, when he wants and how he wants to say it. He has so many thoughts and ideas he wants to share.