Annabel's story

Picture a vibrant 12-year-old dancing around her room to Little Mix and Jess Glynne, embracing the energy of her favourite music. This is Annabel, and like many pre-teens, she's discovering the fun of makeup, skincare, and everything that comes with growing up.

Annabel faces life with remarkable spirit. While she lives with sight loss, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, and brain damage, these challenges don't define her. Like many kids, she has a deep love for stories and reading. But traditional books posed a unique challenge – whether using large print or reading from screens, after a couple of pages fatigue set in.

That all changed when we introduced Annabel to the Voxblock audio player. "It's transformed her whole bedtime routine," shares Annabel's mum. "Before, reading was such a struggle. Now, she can enjoy her stories completely independently."

Providing independence, fuelling imagination

The transformation has been remarkable. Despite having a learning ability of a 6-year-old, Annabel can now explore age-appropriate books that capture her imagination. Currently, she's enchanted by the magical world of Roald Dahl's "Matilda" – a story about another girl who won't be limited by her circumstances.

The impact goes beyond entertainment. The Voxblock has become one of the few activities Annabel can manage entirely on her own, giving her a sense of independence that many 12-year-olds take for granted. Her teachers have noticed improvements in her reading comprehension, and her family has observed how listening to stories helps calm her during anxious moments.

"The best part," her mum continues, "is seeing her face light up when she talks about the books she's listening to. It's like a whole new world has opened up."

A flourishing personality

Voxblock's tactile buttons and user-friendly design make it perfect for Annabel's needs. But, at the end of the day, Annabel isn't defined by her disabilities or the technology she uses. She's a swimming enthusiast who loves pop music, and now, thanks to the Voxblock, an avid bookworm. Her journey shows how the right technology can bridge gaps while letting a child's true self flourish.