In St. Louis today, Ian is dreaming of speaking his mind.

Seven-year-old Ian has Down syndrome, and though he is an active, social boy, he is nonverbal.

At Variety Partner Agency Howard Park, where he attends school, Ian is able to use a communication device to verbalize his thoughts. However, he and his family become frustrated at home, where he doesn’t have that assistive device.

Ian is just beginning a long summer without his school’s communication device, and is yearning for his very own equipment that will allow him to talk to his family and friends.

This piece of equipment will cost $9,000, and his insurance has committed to paying $4,000.

Still, $5,000 is a large amount – will you help Ian find his voice by donating to Variety today?