During the time my son could not talk, he used his laptop to answer questions or make ccomments. He wrote in big type so that those who were standing further away could read what he said as he turned the screen of the LT around. If you don't have a LT to lend him, the dry erase board is a great idea, too and easier to carry around. A wise friend of his told my son that when someone asks if he needs anything, to tell them the truth instead of just saying "I'm fine". He happened to need some head phones for a video game he had and one of his friends got it for him. He also read lots of books while he was recovering. It doesn't have to be especially creative to be useful and very much appreciated.