July 1999

Communication and the Computer

Spotlighting Kathy Guth
by Pete Moore

Technology has advanced so much in computers that it has made it easier for people with disabilities to operate them where they could not have done so a decade ago. In this era of technology those with/without disabilities can operate the devices in places where they couldn't before-for example, checking information, reading e-mail, browsing the web while driving a car, or accessing audio information (in visual form) in places where it is too noisy.

Sun Microcomputer whom recently made advances in electronics, made reference to a program written in Java as a part of a battery saver circuit on a shaver. This electronic and voice technology combined, has made it easier to add voice to a product allowing cross disability accessible for those with low visual, reading problem or blindness.

Kathy Guth is a person that uses a computer to communicate since she has a severe form of Cerebral Palsy which left her unable to talk or move her arms or legs.

She was born in the 1950's in Saudi Arabia. She lived in Montgomery County when she was a little girl and soon became a devoted die-hard Washington Redskins fan. She moved to Frederick County when she was older and is currently in the Cerebral Palsy Adult Daycare Program in Frederick County.

I had the opportunity to interview her about her computer and how it all came about.

Q: How did you communicate before you received the computer that you now use?
A: I used to communicate by using a book. (Kathy used to communicate by moving her eyes up and down for yes. When the book is open you point to the row and by using her eyes she will indicate that this is the row and then you point to each letter until she says that is the right word.)

Q: How did you learn that there was another way for you to be able to express your feeling, beside using the book?
A: I learned about the computer on a United Cerebral Palsy program I saw on television.

Q: How long did it take you to receive a computer of your own?
A: It took forever, I thought. It was a year before I was able to get a computer

Q: Why did it take so long?
A: My parents had to raise the money to purchase it. It wasn't an inexpensive machine

Q: Where did you have to go to get your computer?
A: I didn't have to go anywhere. They came to me.

Q: Really? I thought you had to go to Washington D.C. or Baltimore.
A: No, the computer man came right here and installed it and taught me how to use it.

Q: Did it take long to install?
A: No, it wasn't that hard - he just plugged it in and I could communicate.

Q: Could you tell the readers how it works?
A: There's a little button on the side of my head that allow me to operate the computer. I just push it with the side of my head and that starts it up and controls the computer as well.( Screen comes on and each time she touches the button the computer goes to the next line until she wants a particular letter.)

Q: How often is your computer checked?
A: Unless there's a problem, my computer only needs to be checked once a year. (Kathy's computer have been broken because of a button and using a loaner and her book to communicate.)

Q: What do you use when your computer goes away for service or repairs?
A: I usually go back to using the book but this time they gave me a loaner.

Q: So this isn't your normal computer. Do you like this one better? A: No! I can't wait to get mine back. This one has too many things on it, too many do-dads that I don't know how to use. So I'm waiting patiently for my good old computer to return. What I'd like to do is design my own computer. I'd make it simpler, easier to use.

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