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Different Abilities
I have had athetoid cerebral palsy since I
was born. Cerebral palsy affects the nervous
system's ability to communicate with and control
muscles. I use a walker and a wheelchair to
get around. My speech can be hard to understand
by an unfamiliar listener, but, as soon as people
get to know me, they can easily understand me.
When I was at Central High School, a
one-on-one assistant helped me throughout the
day. She took notes for me and was a scribe
when I did my classwork and took tests. During
my lunch period, she fed me and helped me start
my homework. She also accompanied me from
class to class and guided me as I transitioned
from my walker to my desk.
During the second semester of my senior year
of high school, when
I was attending the Woolman Semester, I was
much more independent. I attended classes on
my own, taking notes with the keyboard I invented.
I still needed someone to help me at mealtimes
and to take dictation when I did homework.
I am continuing to become more independent
now that I am in college.
When I attend residential Quaker gatherings,
some of which are held on college campuses,
I am very independent. I tool around campus
in my electric wheelchair. I go to workshops,
business sessions, and concerts completely
on my own. I fully participate in the activities
of the high school and the young adult programs.
During meals, my peers or older friends help
me eat. In the dorm, I need minimal assistance.
When I do need help, I ask another gathering
participant.
I used to use a keyboard/keyguard
to help me type on the computer. This consisted
of a normal keyboard with a piece of hard
plastic over it. The plastic cover, the “keyguard”,
had a hole cut out for each key. I rested
my hand on the keyguard and poked my fingers
into the holes. This was a slow method of
typing, so I invented a new kind of keyboard.
I now use this new keyboard for almost all
of my typing, and I am able to type with greater
speed. For more on my invention, please see
the Math &
Computers section of this website. To improve
my speed even more, I use CoWriter, a word
prediction software application. I also use
an adapted joystick in place of a mouse.
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