April 24, 2025 The Beacon • 19
Community helps boy find his voice through technology
A local business and the community came together recently to support Owen Duncan, a 5-year-old local boy who is on the autism spectrum, is nonverbal and has global development delay.
Duncan does not communicate using spoken words but uses gestures and picture-based systems. Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and behavior. For nonverbal or nonspeaking children like Duncan, finding alternative ways to express themselves is crucial for their development and well-being.
Duncan is currently in preschool at Coshocton Elementary. He will move on to kindergarten next year. He loves going to school and is utilizing a communication device during therapy sessions at school. The device is owned by the school and has to remain at school for other children to utilize also. Duncan also has a brother Nash, who is in the eighth grade at Coshocton High School.
Camden Swigert, a local barber, came up with the idea to open The McKee’ s Mancave Barber Shop, where he works on a day when they are usually closed, to raise funds for a communication device for Owen.
Owner Tyler McKee joined him on this mission. McKee cuts Duncan’ s hair on a regular basis and attends the same church, so he is familiar with the family and the situation. They advertised the fundraiser on their Facebook page. People could stop in for a haircut or make an appointment online. Some stopped by just to donate. All proceeds went directly to the family.
Duncan and his family visited the shop in the evening to thank them personally. Duncan gave McKee and Swigert a high five for
their hard work. The fundraiser was a success. This is what living in a small community is all about— people hearing about a need and God calling them to help in some way.
McKee and Swigert are cousins to Shannon Duncan, Owen’ s mother. Swigert said,“ That’ s what our community is for, to help those we can.”
The funds raised will go directly toward purchasing an augmentative and alternative device, with specialized software personalized for Duncan and his specific needs. Duncan will have the tools necessary to better communicate with the world around him. The device will be programmed to grow with his ability level and will be used at home, school and out in the community.
Grandparents Rick and Pam Saxton said,“ It breaks our hearts that Owen struggles to express his thoughts, feelings and daily needs. We believe with the right support, he can unlock his potential and find his voice in his own way. All that matters is that he is happy. We have to be his voice and advocate for him. We want what is best for him. Autism is a family diagnosis. It isn’ t contained to one person.”
Pam Saxton, along with her friend Kat Blust, started the process of researching available grants to try to fund a communication device. With the help of Kaeli Pletcher, his speech pathologist at school, he was evaluated with several types of devices, and it was determined which technology best suited his ability level. Duncan does not have a dedicated device at school that is specifically designed for him. The children share a device with other students in the elementary school.
When the grant opportunities didn’ t transpire, Duncan’ s Aunt Stacey Wesney started a GoFund- Me account to help obtain the necessary funds to purchase him a communication device.
Wesney said,“ Every child deserves to live life being able to communicate his or her needs, even when they are born without the ability to do so.”
Duncan’ s parents Isaac
Submitted
Owen Duncan and family stopped by McKee’ s Mancave Barber Shop to thank barbers Camden Swigert and Tyler McKee for their help.
and Shannon said.“ The outpouring of support we have seen from this community has been overwhelming. We are so grateful for everyone who is helping us make a difference in our son’ s life. We have all prayed daily for help in getting him the care he needs to live a fuller and expressive life. We have cried a lot of happy tears in the past few days. Getting this device will be life-changing for him and those who communicate with him.”
The whole family wishes to thank everyone who played a part in making this wish come to life.
“ We had a community praying for us and encouraging us to keep going and to not give up. We are happy to teach the world about autism and our cuddle bug,” Pam Saxton said.
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