Studying

I know a lot of people must wonder how I study with a visual and physical impairment.  That is where software comes in. I use a scanner with read software. I can scan in pages from a textbook or actually I have someone do it for me.  The software will then read the text aloud. However, it makes Darth Vader sound like the most animated character. So, it gets pretty rough when you're listening to an animatronic voice read 3 hours of government or economics.  As far as, writing goes I usually have somebody type what I'm saying.  I also have software that is speech to text software.  I can talk into a microphone and it turns my words into text.  However, it is not always real accurate.  I have to work with the software a lot to teach it how I talk and how to recognize my words.  I am working to get it better trained so that I can use it for papers etc.  But, for now I dictate to someone and they type what I say.  All of this means I have to really plan my studying.  I cannot just wait and do it whenever I want.  I have to work around other peoples schedules as well.


Wheelchair Kid

Asking For Help?

Today the question was asked, "How do you eat food when your attendants aren't around?"  It's kind of complicated; it involves me having to gather courage to ask someone to feed me.  Which is very difficult for me to do, because of my pride.  I know it's foolish but I can't help it, the situation is embarrassing to me.  That's why I've always made the joke I will never eat Italian food out on a date.  The only stuff I can eat without much assistance are things like chicken fingers and pizza. It is partly because I cannot get up to a table close enough when I am out.  When I am at home I can use my wheelchair tray and it is close.  That way I do okay with feeding myself.  Eating in front of people just requires me to know them in order to not be self-conscious but even then I'm still self-conscious.  One time my roommate, a friend, and I went to dinner and I ordered a steak because my roommate doesn't mind helping me.  And to my surprise my friend offered to feed me so my roommate didn't have to.  I was Shocked!  I am sure it might be weird for others too because they just don't know and don't want to embarass me.  But, for the note, it is cool to just say, "do you need any help with that?" If you really don't mind.  The only time I've ever felt comfortable getting people to feed me was a Camp ASCCA.  Camp ASCCA is a summer camp for the physically disabled, I'll probably talk about this place a lot.  I always feel like they don't mind and would never think it is weird or anything.  I'm getting better and better about asking people because it's either that or watch them eat.  As always if you have questions feel free to ask.


Wheelchair Kid

It Ain't All Sunshine and Rainbows!

I am often asked, "What is your life like?" Well, folks, as the title says it ain't all sunshine and rainbows.  It is not the getting up and having other people dress and bathe me, it is the fact that my peers don't know how to react or involve me.  Everyone is nice, speaks to me on campus and basically very welcoming.  However when it comes to involving me in social events it seems different.  I don't know if people are intimidated by me or my chair or not sure about what I can or cannot do, or maybe they just don't know how to approach me?  My parents keep saying I just need to give it time, I will find a group.  I am sure they are right and I am sure that there are lots of other freshman feeling the same way and maybe I am no different.  But, sometime it just feels different.  I know I have to do my part as well.  I am trying to get to know a lot of different people.  I am just anxious to not feel awkward!  Please don't take this as a pitty post!  I am just saying how it feels.  On a positve note folks, from high school it can only get better.  And... I had a great week in my classes and meeting some new people.

Wheelchair Kid

How To Fix Broken Chairs Without Parents?

Hi guys
     As you can probably tell from the title of this blog my chair broke.  Those of you who know me know that my legs have a high muscle tone and when I get excited my legs extend.  I got up Sunday morning, my roomate was still asleep.  So, I decided to play a little football on my Playstation.  I got my attendent to set me up before she left and like the nerd that I am when I threw a good touchdown pass, I got too excited.  POP!! My foot plate had snapped into.  So, I called my mom and I asked her how to rig it in some way to get by.  She told us to go get some wire and my roomate did but, we could not wire it together.  Then one of my friends came up with the bright idea of super glue.  That didn't  work either! I couldn't go to class that day it hurts my foot to dangle, and it is a little hard to drive dragging your foot.   I found a place on campus that could fix wheel chairs called the  T.K. Martin Center.  So I got my chair fixed withount my parents help. 
To Jodie and Lynn
     The sidewalk issue is relatively simple.  I follow behind a group of people going the same way I am.  I cross the sidewalk exactly when everybody else does.  When I go to class in the moring I ask my attendant to walk to class with me mainly to help with elevators right now.
     Here is how I get settled in at night.  I have 4 attendents, three of them come from an agency in Starkville.  One comes in the mornings to get me ready etc and then one comes after my first class, and the last comes in at night.   The fourth one is a student who comes in the afternoon to help  me do homework.


Wheelchair Kid

P.S. My mom says I'm banned from playing football.

Rolling Into A New World

     I am starting this blog as a part of my Day One project.  For those of you who read this blog that aren't affiliated with MSU, Day One is a learning community that focuses on community service.  My community partner is the Student Support Services in Montgomery Hall.  The goal of this blog is to give you an idea of what it is like being a freshman in college with a disability.  To show other kids with a disability that it can be done. 
     I have Cerebral Palsy, which affects my muscles and makes them extremely tight.  I drive an electric wheelchair since I can't walk at all.  Also, I have visual problems which include no depth perception and the ability to track.
     For the first couple of weeks I learned my way on campus, got use to college classes, and got use to people taking care of me, who weren't my parent which was the hardest part.  It took about 3 weeks to get my wheels under me. Sorry this first posting was so long the first one is usually the longest.  You guys feel free to ask me questions.  If it feels awkard to ask I bet someone else has the same question.


Wheelchair Kid