Profiles – AT in Real Life

I am an editor at the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) facility in Kansas City. I also serve on the DFAS Challenged Members Committee. This committee addresses the concerns and issues of employees with disabilities. For more than five years, I have served on this committee in a number of capacities. I was selected to represent all DFAS Centers nationwide and went to the Pentagon in 1997 and was recognized with an award by my employer as the Outstanding Woman of the Year at the Kansas City Defense Finance and Accounting Service Center. I hold a B.A. in Communications from Central Missouri State University. Antiques are my hobby and I am involved in many related activities. I am a member of the United Federation of Doll Collectors, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Tri-County Art League. I am also an avid grower of flowers and plants.

I had polio as an infant, but was able to get around quite well with the use of crutches and long leg braces. However, as a result of a severely broken leg and the resulting long recuperation period, I am dealing with additional diminished strength in my legs and the subsequent onset of post-polio syndrome. Due to my limited strength, I now use either a wheelchair or an electric scooter to go any distance. My ability to continue working has been made possible by the DFAS Center’s Flexiplace Program. This program allows me to telecommute part-time from my home using assistive technology.

I would not be able to be as independent, nor would I be able to lead as fulfilled a life. My CCTV, as an example, is wonderful because it enables me to see again.

I wish that governmental entities would provide devices to individuals with disabilities who wish to obtain them.

I am the third generation to work my family’s farm. On 2,500 acres, I raise row crops and cattle. I acquired a spinal cord injury about a year and a half ago due to a fall. I am married and have two children, ages 10 and 12. I am also a professional auctioneer.

I have a lift built-in to the back of my pickup that allows me to get into my truck as well as onto any of my farm machinery. I also have hand controls installed in all of my vehicles and have outfitted all of the gates on the farm with remote controlled openers. An automatic feeder on the back of my pickup lets me feed the cattle. A ramp was installed on my house through assistance provided by On My Own, a center for independent living.

Without assistive technology, things would not be as convenient.

Affordability is a big issue. Without the assistance I received through AgrAbility and Vocational Rehabilitation, I would not have been able to get back to farming. Programs like these need to continue.

I have been serving on the Marceline City Council for eleven years. For two of those years I was mayor of the town. I am 45 years old. I am also a C5-6 quadriplegic due to a diving accident seventeen years ago. Before my accident, I was a foreman on the Santa Fe Railroad. I am currently a door greeter at Wal-Mart. I volunteered for eight years at the local school where I helped work with the first graders. I have also volunteered at my local church and am on the Board at Rural Advocates for Independent Living. I have been married for twenty-five years, have two daughters and one granddaughter.

I have a van that is adapted with a lift, hand controls and an automatic door opener. I use an electric wheelchair. I also use several low-tech devices such as a special handhold for my telephone, angled forks and spoons, and a splint that helps me eat. My home has several modifications to improve access such as a roll-in shower and a ramp. My friends and family recently built a ramp to the front door so that I now have two entry/exit points, which makes the home safer. I have an overhead lift that allows me to transfer from my bed to my wheelchair. This I built myself out of necessity since the cost of buying one from a manufacturer was prohibitive. I now have a Vermobile chair, which elevates and allows me to look people in the eye.

I would be sitting in a corner.

People need to be informed as to what services are out there. I am currently in the Personnel Care Attendant Program. Regulations forbid my wife from being my attendant, but my daughter can be. I would like to see the legislation changed to allow a spouse to be an attendant.

I split my time between teaching skiing and farming. Several years ago I took over operation of the family farm, which is 200 acres mostly dedicated to soybeans. I teach skiing in the Weston area and help with a winter sports clinic for disabled veterans. I also engage in competitive skiing and in wheelchair racing. In June of 1999 I competed in the Disabled Veterans Wheelchair Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I finished 2nd overall in the open class. I have recently completed computer electronics training at Vatterott College and I am pursuing a career as a computer technician. I am 51 years old and am a hip disartic amputee due to a farming accident in 1979.

My prosthesis is state-of-the-art. It has a hydraulic knee and a flexible foot. My skiing equipment is adapted, as is my bicycle. I have a special air filled seating system in my jeep and one for my tractor that helps absorb shock and prevent discomfort.

It would be very difficult. I wear my artificial leg every day and use it to work. Basically, it saves a lot of energy for me.

Make changes to reduce the bureaucracy, which is encountered by individuals with disabilities in working with insurance companies. Prompter service that emphasizes the human angle, as opposed to the commercial, would enable me to get what I really need done in a timely manner. It would be helpful for insurance companies to have a representative (such as an occupational or physical therapist) to troubleshoot problems with durable medical equipment received by individuals. It would be helpful to have someone follow-up with the use of prosthetics for individuals with disabilities.

(As told by mother, Michelle)

At the age of ten, Justin was electrocuted and has required total care for the past three years. He lives at home with his parents and brothers.

The lift-equipped van is the best assistive technology and is absolutely wonderful. Since having the lift-equipped van, Justin is able to go out in the community and I am able to take him to the grocery store. Wal-Mart is his favorite place to shop as it elicits lots of smiles.

It would be very difficult for us and Justin. Before the lift van, we strapped Justin in with the regular seat belt, which was very unsafe for him, not to mention difficult for the family when transferring him to his wheelchair.

More money needs to be given to assistive technology. I looked everywhere for resources and only found assistance from Missouri Assistive Technology.

Farming runs in my family. In combination with my father, we farm 1,400 acres in the northeastern corner of the state. We run cattle and sheep and raise hay. I was born with low vision and over my lifetime have developed light sensitivity. I am 38 years old and married with three children. I serve as the Trustee and Chairman of the Music Committee and am a Youth Leader Volunteer at church.

The assistive technology I use primarily helps me to continue farming. My visual impairment has affected my ability to drive over the road. This was a problem since many parts of the farm were only reachable by driving on roads. To address this situation, I got a Kawasaki Mule, an all-terrain vehicle. This, in combination with a few physical alterations, lets me get to all corners of the farm safely. To compensate for the light sensitivity, I have a sunshade on my tractor and wear polar shields. I also use a hand-held monocular pocket magnifier. I use a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), which I received from Vocational Rehabilitation, to help me do my farm books. I use a large print calculator. Through Rehab Services for the Blind and AgrAbility I received a computer with farm software and ZoomText enlargement software.

It would not be as easy to stay on top of the work that needs to be done around the farm. Before getting the Mule, I found myself frequently having to choose between waiting on someone to get me where I needed to go, not getting there at all, or walking there. Now I can get where I need when I need. The use of a CCTV has allowed me to do my farm finances.

I received a lot of assistance through the AgrAbility Program. The folks with this program were professional and businesslike and everything they suggested had a purpose. If you have the ambition to do something, it is important that the help you may need is available. Assistive technology should be supported.

George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “You see things and say ‘Why?’ but I dream things that never were and say ‘Why not?'” His words reflect my philosophy of life. Though I have cerebral palsy and myasthenia gravis, I believe that I can achieve almost any task (within reason) if I approach it with a “can-do spirit.” Despite physical challenges and many “you can’t do that’s,” I earned a bachelor of arts in English and a master of arts in journalism. By focusing on my abilities, I established a career in desktop publishing. Currently, I’m employed as a publications specialist at a center for independent living. As the title implies, I’m responsible for designing, typesetting, and editing all of the center’s educational and promotional materials. My position also requires that I advocate for disability rights. In my leisure hours, I enjoy any activity with a creative flair. Some of my most loved pastimes include: interior decorating, dollmaking, flower arranging, and gardening. I live independently in my own home with my husband and two cats.

Assistive technology is an integral component of every aspect of my life. For mobility, I use a power wheelchair. For transportation, I use a lift-equipped van. In my home, I have disability-friendly appliances, speaker phones, lever-handled door knobs, remote-controlled light switches, and more. At work, I use a trackball instead of a mouse, a rotating filing system, a multi-disk CD ROM changer, an automatic document feeder for the scanner, and text-scanning software.

Life without assistive technology would be unimaginable and very limited. I would not be a contributing member of society.

Assistive technology puts competition and equality into disability. It greatly enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities and gives them more control of their daily activities. Increased funding for assistive technology should be supported.

I spent 31 years in public education. I was a teacher, a principal and ended my career as director of buildings, grounds and purchasing. The majority of my career was spent in the Jefferson City School District. I am a farmer by hobby, though my wife would dispute this fact. I bought my family’s farm in 1964 and a little over a decade later purchased a second farm. In all I farm 235 acres. I raise cattle and produce hay. I retired from education in December of 1993. In May of 1994, I was in a farming accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down.

A lot of assistive devices I use are for mobility. I have a John Deere Gator that I use around the farm. My tractor is equipped with a lift and hand controls. I maneuver my manual wheelchair onto a winch elevated platform and am then lifted to the correct height to let me make a wheelchair to tractor seat transfer. I also have a wheelchair lift and hand controls installed on my van. My house has been modified to increase wheelchair access. Necessity is the mother of invention and so I devise lots of little adaptive devices and make modifications that let me do my work.

Everybody has the choice of making the best of each day. Assistive technology is a tool that lets me achieve this goal.

Monopoly laws need to be enforced. The price of assistive devices and medical equipment are grossly inflated. When I needed a new rim on my wheelchair, it cost me more than $250. That is more than the cost of some of the rims I buy for my farm vehicles. There is something wrong when we let suppliers gouge the disabled.

(As told by his mother, Rhonda)

Ryan is 15 years old. He is fully included in the 10th grade at Francis Howell Central High.

Ryan uses a DynaVox Communicator. Without this, he would not be able to communicate at school or at home. He converses back and forth with his 3 year old sister. She recognizes this as Ryan’s voice. This is a dream come true. Ryan uses a power chair, hypothermic blanket, pulse oximeter, a wheel chair lift van and a tracking lift system that gets him around the house.

Without his assistive technology Ryan would not be able to have quality of life. It would be impossible for his care to be given to him at home.

Assistive technology should be supported. Legislation needs to make sure that insurance companies, places of employment, schools, and public places, should be accommodating for person with disabilities. Prisoners often have a better quality of life than persons with disabilities, who would often be prisoners in their own bodies without the help of assistive technology.

I am a 44-year-old mother of two. I am visually impaired and physically disabled. I am constantly dizzy and at times I have bouts of vertigo. I commonly use a walking cane, but at times I need a support cane. All of this is due to a stroke that I suffered in 1993. At first I was much worse than I am now. I continue to improve. I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education. I have taught kindergarten, preschool and substituted for all ages. I also teach Bible classes for adults and children. I volunteer in the elementary school library. Presently, I am working part-time at Jefferson College.

Computers are very helpful in letting me complete the tasks I need to perform. Zoomtext, a screen magnification program, is also a great benefit. I also listen to books on tape.

Without assistive technology I would not be involved in some of the tasks that I am. Things like publishing a newsletter and a calendar for my church would be impossible. My job would be more difficult since I depend on computers, copiers, and closed-caption television to assist me in my job.

I think the governor and the legislature should consider making it easier to obtain assistive technology. As a housewife and a mother I was not eligible for certain types of aid. I only have a computer at home because it was a gift. It needs to be recognized that a person running a household, just like a person on a job, needs assistance. Paying bills, writing down recipes, jotting notes to teachers, or just writing a letter to a friend can be impossible without help. Students in public schools need more technology to help them through their education. This should include assistance at home as well as school. School systems seem reluctant to spend their money on the technology necessary for the children, so the state must be willing and able to see that they receive what they need.

I was an engineering professor for many years, and have now developed macular degeneration.

ZoomText, a screen magnification program for computers, allows me to read and see things that previously I couldn’t. As example, I can now see pictures of my two granddaughters that I never could before. It is a godsend! I received Zoomtext from the TAP for Internet program. I also have on my computer a screen reader program called Open Book , as well as a scanner. This allows me to take hardcopies of books and magazines, scan them and have them read back to me by the computer. I don’t have to be so dependent on my wife to read to me.

My life would not be as fulfilling or happy. I can get on the internet, as well as read e-mail, neither of which I could do before. It has brought me from sitting in a chair doing nothing to being really interested in the world around me.

Make sure that funding to get assistive technology is available for people who have no resources.

(As told by mother, Dorothy)

Even though Nathan only weighs 50 lbs., at age 19, he was getting too big to be bathed in the kitchen sink. An elevated bath was built in the bathroom along with an accessible bathtub with grab bars for his sister who uses a wheelchair. Nathan was born with a developmental disability and many medical problems. Sometimes he has seizures that do not stop and that require a hospital visit, so a special wagon allows us to transport him.

If it were not for the assistive technology, we would have to have someone else come and bathe and transport Nathan — we couldn’t do it ourselves, especially after I had open heart surgery.

Support assistive technology funding – we tried for five years to get assistance and there is no way we would have gotten the bathroom modification without assistance from Missouri Assistive Technology.

(As told by his mother, Darlene)

David is a very active and busy 4 year old. He was born premature at 3 lbs. At the age of 18 months he was diagnosed with a severe hearing loss. The family bought a $1,500 hearing aid and David began attending Central Institute for the Deaf.

With the assistance of the Kids Assistive Technology program, a better quality hearing aid costing over $2,500 was purchased during the summer. The change in David has been phenomenal! When the school year started, all of the teachers noticed a change. He is hearing better and he now talks non-stop and his speech is clearer. Family members can now talk normal instead of speaking slowly and he understands perfectly. He also listens better and is learning so much more in the classroom that he is being considered for a promotion. Previous concerns about cognitive ability have now disappeared.

It is very difficult to describe in words how much the hearing aid has meant to David and our family!

Assistive Technology has made our family a happier family! Continue to fund money for AT for children.

I have been a woman on wheels since an auto accident in 1990 left me a quadriplegic at the age of 25. I have a degree in Recreation from Central Missouri State University and, prior to my accident, was working in the field. Now I am a motivational speaker and serve as the president of Access-4-All, Inc. Community involvement is very important to me. I serve as a member of the Recreation Council Board, am coordinator of the Very Special Arts of Missouri Festival and am president of the Delta Center for Independent Living in St. Charles.

To write, to eat, to transport myself around, every day of my life I use assistive technology. The tenodesis splint I use to apply my make-up is the piece of assistive technology most important to me. It allows me to maintain my femininity and feel good about myself.

Without assistive technology, my life would not be as fulfilling. Life drastically changed for me in 1990 and it has been a struggle to regain as much independence as possible. I do not mind asking for help, but I relish the times I can do things on my own.

Three things come to mind. First, invite constituents with disabilities to share their assistive technology success stories in a public way with other legislative members. Second, publish success stories. Third, appropriate funding and pass laws that enable people with disabilities to do as much as possible on their own. Wouldn’t everyone want that?

I graduated from the Missouri School for the Blind and went on to Missouri Valley College, where I obtained a B.A. in Human Relations. For seven years I worked in public relations for 1st National Bank in St. Louis. I became a stay at home mom when my daughter was born. When she started school, I began volunteering for Meals with Wheels, which I did for seventeen years. In 1989, at the age of 52, I became the hunger action coordinator for the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. I also began using a computer for the first time. (I initially thought I was going to blow it up!) My job responsibilities include working with the hunger ministries of more than 100 churches. In addition, I serve on the board of the St. Louis Area Food Banks and on the boards of three United Way supported emergency food and shelter programs.

A screen reader program used in conjunction with my computer helps me complete word processing tasks. For taking notes I use a device called a Braille Lite. A braille watch helps me keep track of time and a talking calculator helps me monitor the funds I am responsible for.

Extremely limited. Without adaptations to my computer and the other forms of assistive technology I use, I would not be able to do the work I do.

For people with disabilities to be part of the workplace, it is imperative that they make assistive technology available.

I have a B.S. in Computer Science and Math, a B.A. in Earth Science, a M.S. in Geography and another M.S. in Artificial Intelligence. I have been employed by the U.S. Government for the last eleven years. I am 36 years old and have cerebral palsy. Away from work, I am involved in my church and serve as a trustee for Barrington Downs. I enjoy board games, travel, hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

My primary forms of assistive technology are my electric wheelchair and my adapted van. At work I have a computer that has voice-activation capabilities. Where possible, I like to design and make my own assistive devices.

Life would be pretty boring. Without assistive technology, I do not think I would be able to do a lot of the things that I do.

It is incredibly important to all individuals, not just persons with disabilities. If you make a world that is universally accessible, everyone will be better off.

I graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program at Jefferson College and am now working at Webster Grove Veterinary Hospital. I am 34 years old. While pregnant with me, my mother contracted rubella (German measles). As a result I was born with a profound hearing loss. My interests include cooking, horseback riding and the Raptor Center at the Wild Bird Sanctuary, where I am a volunteer.

In the classroom, I used real-time captioning. Real-time captioning really helps me to capture large amounts of information. When conversing on the telephone, I use either a TTY or Missouri Relay. My television is outfitted with close captioning so that I can understand what is being said.

My life would be miserable if I had no assistive technology. Without real-time captioning, I would miss a lot of information. If I did not use the Relay service, I would not be able to communicate with both hearing and hearing-impaired people. If I did not have closed captioning on my television, I would be depressed and miserable.

When the technology becomes available, I would suggest that there be a way to have closed-captioning in the movie theaters (rear-view captioning is currently the only technology available in movie theaters). I would also suggest that all television commercials be closed-captioned and that all news stations use real-time captioning, especially for the weather forecast. I realize that there is a lack of people who do real-time captioning, but I would like to see funding for the improvement of real-time captioning in the schools.

I live and work in St. Louis. For almost 20 years, at both a non-profit organization and in school districts, I have worked as a counselor and administrator. I am also an adjunct faculty member at Webster University, St. Louis University School of Social Work, and Maryville University’s Rehab Counseling Department. In addition to being a licensed professional counselor, I have a B.A. in Social Work and a M.A. in Rehabilitation Administration Services. I am happiest when working with families who have young children with disabilities. As someone who was born with cerebral palsy, I know first hand the importance of a strong family support system. When I have the time, being outside on a beautiful day or being curled up with a great book are among my favorite things.

I use assistive technology in a variety of ways. Assistive technology that I utilize each day includes a three-wheeled motorized cart, a van equipped with a wheelchair lift, a computer with adapted software, a variety of adapted kitchen utensils, a keyless door lock, a porch lift, an electronic calendar, dressing aids, and bathroom grab bars.

Assistive technology is an integral part of my life. Without it I would be very dependent on others for physical assistance at home, at work and within the community. My employability would also be lessened.

Often the lack of financial access to purchase assistive technology keeps much of Missouri’s disabled population in a cycle of poverty and unwillingly dependent on the system. Missouri’s citizens with disabilities need legislation that provides consumer controlled financial opportunities to obtain assistive technology. Legislation is needed that addresses the lack of accountability insurance companies have with regard to purchasing much needed assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Another avenue to explore in this arena are tax breaks for those purchasing assistive technology.

When I was 15 years old, I went from being perfectly healthy to totally paralyzed in one day, and was eventually diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, which is inflammation of the spinal cord. I regained arm movement and am a wheelchair user now. I am in Who’s Who of American Students, on the Honor Roll, and in National Honor Society.

I use assistive technology every day in many ways. A van lift enables me to be more independent and mobile. I would not have this lift if it were not for the Kids Assistive Technology (KAT) Program. The van is also equipped with hand controls, which I am using to take drivers training so I can get my drivers permit and license so I can commute to college next year. I also use a neurocare machine daily and a standing machine.

My life would be much more difficult, less mobile, and less independent without assistive technology.

I would suggest continued support of assistive technology. It is absolutely necessary for people to live full lives.

I am 17 years old and have a severe/profound hearing loss. I have relied heavily on hearing aids. I have a special fire alarm, alarm clock, and telephone. These devices alert me by either flashing, ringing louder than normal or vibrating. I use an adapted telephone called a Voice Carry Over or VCO, this allows me to use the telephone with my hearing aids or if they are not working I can use the Relay Service.

It would be very difficult for me to function in my school and community. I currently work a part time job, am a good student, a varsity level athlete, and active in my church. When I was younger I participated in youth sports and scouting. Without hearing aids participation would have been nearly impossible.

There needs to be funding available for all people to get the assistive technology they need to function independently. My family is middle-income and has difficulty finding funding assistance. We simply do not have the money to be buying hearing aids and supplies and getting repairs all the time. I worry about how I will be able to buy these things when I am no longer living with my parents. If I don’t have these things I will have trouble living independently, working, and being a part of the community.

I am 28 years old. In high school I was on the wrestling team, on the football team and on the school newspaper. I was a very active person. In 1991, my senior year, some buddies and I took a trip to visit a college we were thinking about attending. On the way home the driver fell asleep at the wheel and rolled the van. I sustained a C4-5 spinal cord injury, making me a quadriplegic. Despite all that, I made it to my high school graduation that year and received my diploma.

Assistive technology is a major part of my life, enabling me to have independence in some areas of my life. I have a roll-in shower and shower wheelchair. For 30 to 45 minutes every other day I use a hydraulic standing table that my dad built for me. My motorized wheelchair, along with my electric van lift, give me the most independence. I like to read and use a reading stand to hold my books. I would like to find a page-turner that separates the pages. There is a computer in my living room that I use daily for checking out stock quotes, researching medication, learning about spinal cord research, e-mailing my relatives, and checking out football games. The speakerphone I have was obtained through the Telecommunications Equipment Program for Telephone. This phone is equipped with a voice switch, pillow switch, air switch and lapel microphone. It works great. I want to look into an environmental control unit that will operate my satellite dish and also operate my adjustable bed. If I am able to obtain the environmental control unit, it will allow me to go to sleep when I want and not have to rely on someone turning off the television and lowering my bed for me.

Without assistive technology I would have to rely 100% on others for all of my needs. I am very appreciative for all the assistive equipment I have. My life would be so different without it.

My expectation is that the governor and legislature will continue to recognize the importance of assistive technology in the disability world and that they do something about making this equipment more affordable. The approval of the sales tax exemption on assistive technology is a start in the right direction. My desire is for research to continue to develop new and better assistive devices.

I am 68 years of age and have been visually impaired since I was 18 months old. With only a cane, I managed to make it through regular school in St. Louis. I went to Kansas City to work in a factory and to further my education. While there, I met my husband, married and had two daughters. I now have four grandsons and two great grandchildren that I help to care for. My husband and I have retired to a rural area in the Bootheel. I am very independent and am very involved with church and community activities. I also do volunteer work for Headstart and I am the president of two affiliates of the Missouri Council of the Blind. I am working on a new law book pertaining to service animals for people with all disabilities. I also enjoy doing telephone fundraising.

Five years ago I acquired a seeing eye dog I named Ringo. Ringo allows me to continue to be independent. I have all sorts of devices that Atalk@ to me such as a watch, clock, thermometer, scale, and blood pressure cuff. I have used a braille writer and I carry a slate and stylus with me to take notes. However, I have also entered the computer age and have a computer with speech output.

Without assistive technology, life would be bleak. I would not be active in the community.

There are many other assistive devices I would have if prices were more affordable.

(As told by her mother, Michelle)

Breanna is 5 years old and was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and is paralyzed from the waist down. The Mobile Stander that she recently received with the assistance of the Kids Assistive Technology (KAT) Program, allows her to be positioned upright and move herself around. She loves the freedom and self-esteem that it gives her being able to be at the same level as everyone else. It is also therapeutic for her body’s growing bones and muscles. The Variety Club bought Breanna a Hand-Propelled Trike, which has allowed her hours of enjoyment being able to play with other kids her age.

Boring would describe life without assistive technology. Breanna would be dependent on others to move and position her or she would just sit like a vegetable all the time.

The cost of assistive technology is astronomical. With the exception of the manual wheelchair, insurance doesn’t cover most assistive technology. Please support in any way possible money for families to get assistive technology.

I am a husband and father of three children. I am 36 years old and am 5 years post-injury. Due to a diving accident, I am a C4-6 quad. Before my accident I worked in a factory in Tennessee calibrating machinery. My hobbies are fishing, hunting, reading and computers. I have now been working for over a year at Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence as an Access Specialist, working on ADA compliance for public places.

I have a stand-up wheelchair, obtained through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, which allows me to stand up and perform duties around the house. My stand up chair allows me a better view when we go on family outings (ball games, zoos, sightseeing). My van is lift equipped and has hand controls and increases my independence. This is very important since I am really involved in supporting my three children’s school activities. My oldest daughter is a High School Cheerleader, my middle daughter is a volleyball player and straight A student, and my son enjoys the outdoors. We went out deer hunting together this year, and last year I got my first deer since I have been paralyzed and it felt really good. Also a couple of years ago my wife and I found a handicap lake, Council Bluff, where we take our family and stay the day. Weather permitting, we are there every weekend in the summer. They have a handicap ramp that I go down in my manual chair and float out into the water, with my life jacket on of course. That is something else I thought I’d never do again, and really didn’t think I would want to, but I love it!

I am so thankful for assistive technology. If it wasn’t there I wouldn’t have a life. I enjoy living life to the fullest. Without my assistive technology I would be dependent on someone else for all my needs. Rather than going by to pick up a friend, I would be waiting for a ride.

I would like to see more people with disabilities getting assistive technology without worrying about how to pay for it. I think the residents of Missouri would feel that their money was well spent if some of the tax money left over from state taxes went to fund assistive technology and other services for people with disabilities.

22 years ago I was born with spina bifida. I graduated in 1998 from Buffalo High School and am currently living at home. I enjoy listening to country music and playing with my niece and nephew.

I have used assistive technology for most of my life, in particular a power wheelchair and a sliding board.

Without the devices I use, my life would be extremely limited. I rely on them to get me places.

Make it easier to get assistive technology through the Medicaid process. There is too much red tape involved.

(As told by her mother, Elaine)

Brittany is a sophomore at Mt. Vernon High School who loves shopping, being with her friends, talking on the phone and modeling. Her friends and family admire her for her sense of style, her upbeat personality, and her zest for life. Brittany was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, among many other pieces of assistive technology.

With assistive technology and the help of a great teacher, Brittany receives an inclusive education. Family and school personnel have worked as a team to see what will work and then implement it. In school, Brittany uses a communication book, Intellikeys keyboard, an adapted writing utensil, and switches. At home, various types of assistive technology are utilized, from an accessible bathtub to a picture phone to an adapted, weighted, Velcro spoon. Through the Kids Assistive Technology (KAT) Program, the family now has a van lift to transport this active teenager to Future Business Leaders of America meetings, school dances, therapies, and other extra-curricular activities.

Life would be much more challenging. Brittany would not be independent and she would be stuck at home, which would reduce social and cognitive skills, not to mention decreased self-esteem. Assistive technology gives Brittany more and more options to start thinking about independent living, to help her achieve higher levels of education, to help her participate in activities in her own community, and to engage in hobbies and recreational activities.

Assistive technology enables functions that couldn’t be performed by any other means. It is essential to have assistive technology for independence, communication, employment, self-esteem, social living, and daily living. A person can meet a lot of goals with assistive technology. Assistive technology breaks down barriers for people with disabilities and it should be easy to grasp and not so hard to get ahold of. I encourage legislators to be open and responsive to the needs of parents and families in Missouri and hear our message.

(As told by his mother, Marnie)

David is a bright, energetic 9-year-old. He is a third grader at Reeds Spring Primary School and is functioning at the top of his class. He enjoys baseball, reading, playing on the computer, constructing things, swimming and riding roller coasters. At 18 months he was diagnosed with a profound bilateral hearing loss. His primary mode of communication is American Sign Language. David hopes to get a hearing alert dog so he can become even more independent.

At both home and school, David uses many types of assistive technology. This technology helps him monitor environmental sounds, use the telephone, watch television, and be alerted in case of an emergency. An FM System, hearing aids, a TTY, an auditory trainer, a vibrating alarm clock and various alerting devices are among the devices he uses.

Life experiences around him would be missed without assistive technology. He would feel disconnected from his family and friends.

There should be some sort of pricing control on assistive technology. This would allow more people with disabilities and their families to afford the equipment they need.

(As told by her mother, Connie)

Abby sustained a severe head injury in 1995 at the age of 5 in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver. At age 11, Abby understands what is going on around her but is unable to verbalize and therefore communicates with a DynaVox augmentative communication system. It took three years to get this device approved. She is now able to communicate with other students, the teacher, her paraprofessional, friends, and family. She recently started using a head switch to access the computer. For therapy, the family built a whirlpool onto the house, and a lift allows Abby to utilize it for improving her circulation. Everything is a step to learning something new and progressing on. Once the head switch is mastered, the goal for the future is to use it for a motorized chair.

Abby would be frustrated without being able to communicate with others. Without assistive technology, she was ignored and people thought that she didn’t know what was going on. They now know better.

Funding for assistive technology is an ongoing issue. Technology will change and Abby’s needs will change. The problems are so complex, but technology makes all the difference.