Little Liam McArdle who had autism died aged just five years old. He has since become the inspiration for an special app to assist others living with disability.
Liam, from Louth village, gave his teacher Lisa Marie Clinton the idea for the new app which acts as a virtual personal assistant.
The idea of the app is to give disabled children (and adults) more freedom and independence.
Liam’s mum Eileen, said: “Liam was born in November 2009 and I would have noticed that he wouldn’t have been developing at the same rate as other children.
“He was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and a half and he met Lisa when he was three and a half.
“Lisa was a home tutor in ABA so she came to us at home. Lisa was really good with Liam as he wasn’t verbal at the time so she helped him to learn visually and showed us how to work with that too.”
“Liam would have used a special app on his iPad for communication but Lisa really opened our eyes to different ways Liam could learn.”
Eileen said: “The app is a fantastic legacy for Liam as it will help give other children and adults with disability more independence.
“When Lisa came up with the idea I thought it would be so good for Liam and it is poignant that he is remembered in this way.”
Teacher Lisa Marie is also involved in the Friends Of Liam Foundation and says the little boy was a true inspiration to her:
“I was determined not to let fear hold me back so, with a picture of Liam with me always, I continued on my mission, which is to get avail into the hands of children and adults with special needs so they can reach their goals and be as independent as possible.
“Liam has enriched and impacted my life more than I could ever imagine and, as a result, he is helping so many other children and adults.”