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April 1995 |
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April 1995 |
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For quite a few years, I've been involved professionally in the field of assistive technology. Not too long ago, I married Dan and added wife and mother to my resume. I was excited when approached by Tapping Technology to be Guest Editor for this issue, Assistive Technology: A Family Affair, because one of my sons, Matthew, happens to be a child with a disability. As a professional, I've long known the potential of assistive technology. As a new mom, I've seen both the transforming power of assistive technology as well as the frustration of getting it in place. Janet Sloand Armstrong's lead article, The Dream Team: Life as an Adventure with Families using Assistive Technology is timely and hits the nail squarely on the head. We, as professionals, need to validate parent's input into what we decide for their children. We also must look for ways to incorporate assistive technology into a families routine and not allow it's use to stop at the school door. If anyone thinks youth sports are only for non- disabled kids, Fourth Down and Goal to Go, by Dan Schaefer will dispel that foolish thought. Jimi Kinstle's Do You Hear What I See? is an apt reminder that assistive technology follows us into recreation as well as work and education, and Shannon Blankenship's Home Is Where The Heart (and Assistive Technology) Is shores up the idea that assistive technology isn't all high tech and computers but all those little things we use to help "make it through the day."
In our home, we use a variety of assistive technology to "make it through the day." My son, Matt, is CP, nonverbal, physically/visually challenged, and a 16 year old who is interested in Looking Good and Girls. Matt has a great sense of humor. Daily routines and time schedules help to keep our lives on track. I want Matt to experience family life just like any other normal teenager along with contributing to maintaining our home. To do that, we don't try to incorporate technology 24 hours a day with Matt. We do try to incorporate the technology into Matt's daily routine that makes sense for him (blow drying his hair, ironing his clothes, vacuuming, making orange juice, etc.). Through the Title XIX In Home Waiver Program, Matt was allocated $10,000 to buy start up equipment which enabled us to purchase communication devices. positioning equipment, a computer and a special reclining chair by Somonatron which reverberates according to any music that is played on our stereo. This relaxes Matt, and reduces the spasticity associated with CP. Around our house we have a variety of adaptive equipment (environmental controls, switches, etc.). We incorporate technology into our home environment for one reason, to give Matt opportunities that any other 16 year old might experience. For example, I'll let him turn up his music so that I can yell "Turn down that music!" Matt has to use his allowance money to buy food for his pet guinea pig, Spike, and actively help clean up his cage. Matt has chores like his brother and in the evening uses a communication device to say prayers. Matt has even learned from his brother a "short version" of prayers to use when he is tired.
If I could leave two words of parting advise, they would be:
Millie Telega
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