2/12/2012

1

Communication, Education & Vocation

1

� Born in the late 60’s

� Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy

� Siblings interactions

2

� My education began in a self contained classroom

� Thanks to my parents’ persistency, I started first grade with my typical peers

� Teachers did not put any limitations on my capabilities

3

2/12/2012

2

� Hospitalized

� Introduced low tech assistive technology

� Peers interaction

4

� Got first power wheelchair

� Had to go back to natural speech

� Was put in a resource room

5

� I got my first speaking device with Words Plus E Z Keys software in 2001, and it opened an entire new world for me

� E z keys has many features for effective communication

6

2/12/2012

3

7

� After graduating from college, I realized that my old device ticker tape device would not make me marketable for employment.

� I went to Vocational Rehabilitation and asked that my case be reopened to get a more up to date device.

� Since I was able to tell my Vocational Rehabilitation counselor that I had a potential job offer and with the help of my speech pathologist at that time, I was able to get my device without any problems

8

� After graduating from high school, I had my first Vocational Rehabilitation meeting to see what kind of employment I would be interested in.

� Due to my limited speech capabilities, they recommended I prepare for a job as a librarian.

� I started asking for a communication device!I started asking for a communication device!I started asking for a communication device!I started asking for a communication device!

� I started using a device in 1988 while attending college.

� But that device did not have text to speech capabilities so I had to rely on people to read a ticker tape.

9

�My communication device allowed me to get a job at the Memphis Center for Independent Living.

�As coordinator of their computer lab, and computer instructor, I recruited people with disabilities and taught them how to use computers.

�Accommodations were made

2/12/2012

4

10

11

� I remember the first time that I was able to put my own outgoing message on my answering machine. I felt so empowered.

� Being able to hold a conversation with new consumers that came into the center, allowed me to do my job more efficiently.

� Loosing SSI or SSDI

� Loosing health Insurance

� Not being able to qualify for other programs

12

2/12/2012

5

13

The use of EZ Keys

� frequent or urgent messages

� messages are routinely anticipated, planned conversations

� communication which is entirely novel, or unplanned

14

� natural speech and augmented speech should be taught at the same time

� Good literacy skills are needed

� E z Keys can be used by pre-literate children as well as those who already know how to read and write

15

2/12/2012

6

16

� At home I use an overhead ceiling lift system in order to get ready to go to my job.

� My lift system relieves stress on my husband and my support professional's back.

� I independently operate the remote to rise from the bed and travel to the toilet and shower.

� I purchased the $6500 ceiling lift with money I earned at work.

17

Thanks

18

2/12/2012

7

19

901/603/5864