As a child I learned to use an alphabet communication board. I used my eyes to guide my listener to the selected letter or word. I used this type of communication board, on and off for thirty very long years. The communication board was frustrating and took a lot of time. It was hard. In 1961, a friend of my family adapted an electronic typewriter with a single-switch device for me to use at home. It broke down a lot. It too, was frustrating.

I learned about electronic switching devices in 1967, my school set me up with a typewriter with a head pointer. This was difficult (even though I had better head control in those days). So it was back to the communication board once again. But the new communication board was better; it had more parts of speech and a bigger vocabulary. But it was still slow and frustrating. I used this board from 1970 to 1981.

In 1978, I got my first motorized wheelchair. I was very happy because I could get around easier. In those days I never imagined that someday I would be operating a talking device through the electronics of my chair. In 1979, I had my first try with a computer that had a scanning device. It was a Zygo® computer with no voice, but it did have a printout feature.

In 1981, my mother and father purchased an Express3, a Prentke Romich Company communication aid. I became an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) user. It was mounted on my wheelchair. It didn't have a voice. But it did have a single-line printer. I operated it by using a single-switch scanning technique. I didn't have a speech therapist at the time, so I never really learned how to work it very well. I think not having a speech therapist was a problem in those days, and remains a problem today for many people in need of help with communication devices.

From 1984 to 1990 many things happened for me. I moved into my own apartment in an independent living center, began using a ScanWriterâ„¢ to communicate, and equipped my home with electronic computer devices. In 1987, I enrolled at Long Beach City College and began working with the speech therapist, Marilyn Edwards, who has stayed with me through the greatest phase of my communication history - the last nine years of my life.

In 1990, I had an IBM® home computer and a PRC Light Talker™ on my wheelchair. Working with Marilyn, I learned how to "talk" using a single switch and then became more confident and mastered a more complicated program. Next, Marilyn and I convinced the computer technicians that I could switch from a single switch and use a multidirectional joystick. Wow, what a difference! I learned how important it is to continue to push myself into learning more and being a better communicator.

During this time, I also got to know Pat Perreault, my PRC Regional Consultant, who has become a great support to me. In fact, Pat is the first one who told me that I could probably move up to another PRC communication device, the Liberator. Pat said that it would improve my communication. You guessed it - I got a liberator with Words Strategyâ„¢ in 1993, with the help of my regional center counselors and Marilyn and Pat. They all worked very hard for me.

Now, I learn all I can. Last year, California Department of Rehabilitation approved several funding requests that my speech therapist presented to them. I was given the MIKEâ„¢, a T-TAM, and a wireless transmitter that allows me to interface with a tabletop computer through my Liberatorâ„¢. Plus, they also approved and purchased a 100 Mhz Pentium desktop computer for my home use.

I am now enrolled in computer classes at college and am learning windows programs. I can practice at home and I am also on the Internet. In fact, I am learning how to pay my bills through online services. This is all so incredible!

I am so grateful! Thank you very much for listening to my story. It's wonderful to be able to "tell" it! I am happier than I have ever been in my life, because now I have a voice and a purpose, and I feel more a part of life. I want to thank all the people who have helped me to get here. I also want to thank my speech therapist for helping me with my speech.

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I hope you like this speech. I present it at conferences for PRC. My speech therapist helps me write because sometimes I have problems making good sentences.

Two years ago, my speech pathologist told me about Pathfinder. The Pathfinder has enhanced my life tremendously. I am able to talk with almost anyone now. If time and money were not an object, I would travel around the world and tell people about assistive technology, especially the Pathfinder.

Something I thought you might find of interest, I am an active participant in our campus Unique Club and Danceability Club. Unique club is a student-centered educational group that includes student presenters that travel to local elementary and middle schools giving insight on what it is like to be a college student with a disability. The club inspires younger students and encourages them to reach their goals. Danceability Club is a group of dancers that all have disabilities and perform around Oregon.