I had the immense pleasure of meeting a wonderful student today. I would say that he is just like any normal high school student …and he is in a lot of ways, but he is much more than that. John has Cerebral Palsy. He is 18 years old and in the 10th grade. He needs help to walk and has limited mobility in his arms and legs. John was that bright spot for me today. In my job I have the occasional opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. It makes me feel special and validates my reason for being. I like what I do. Today, I LOVED IT! Because John has limited mobility in his arms, he finds typing and writing very difficult. Imagine being in high school and being very bright, but not being able to write papers or take notes…this is John's life. Before I entered the picture, he had been using a software program that allows him to convert his speech to text-a truly awesome capability! However, he was having some trouble with it. Enter me….the Assistive Technology Consultant (there I go, trying to sound important). I observed him using the application, gave him a command sheet, showed him how to use his voice to search the web and write emails…truly amazing! Now, he can use his voice to open items on his computer, communicate, participate in class and be more independent!!!
Not only that, but I find out that John has written a book, with the help of his co-author! Turns out that John is adopted from Russia and spent the first 6-8 years of his life in a Russian orphanage being neglected. Think about that-how his life has changed since being adopted…what life he could have had, compared to what he has now. Then add in the technology….what chance might he have had 10 or even 5 years ago without the software and technology we have available to us today??
So, it was a pleasure to meet John and learn about him and his story. Please buy his book..only $16.49 and John will tell you that shipping is FREE when you buy two!
Take care!
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