The Bakersfield Voice

larger view larger view

I am a blessed man. I have a great wife and wonderful daughter who I enjoy spending time with. I have a job I like and get to do good things that I really believe help people while earning enough money to take care of the family. God has been good to me.

I want to share with you a some things about someone who works for me at the office as he is an inspiration to all of us. This man was born with Cerebral Palsy. He says it was a mistake by the docter's that cause a temoporay lack of oxygen to his brain that led to his CP. He is unable to walk and has very limited use of his arms, legs, and hands.

So you some of you are thinking to yourself, "Ok, so how does he work?" He has some support staff that help him get ready in the morning. They assist him (and his wife who also has CP)  with the basic hygiene things we all need to do everyday before work. Then he gets in his power wheelchair which takes him to his van equipped with a wheelchair lift that takes him to his son's school where he drops him off. Then he comes in to the office. Once there, he exits his van using the wheelchair lift again, crosses the sidewalk that has a curb cut in it (thanks to him) that leads to his office. He turns on his comuter and accesses it with his headmouse. This piece of technology allows him to point the mouse using his head. This is how he does his work. Using a variety of different pieces of Assistive Technology including an internet relay service, his communication device (like a talking lap top), and a special software than enables him to type faster. Sounds like a lot of work doesn't it? Well it's just every day life for this man. He gets up and does it over and over again and is usually very glad to do it. He likes his job too and does a very good job at helping people with disabilities use technology to be more independent. Do you think he migh be qualified?

We work for the Kern Assistive Technology Center which exists to help people with disabilities be more independent using techonology. We like to think we help technology and humanity work together to make the quality of life better for people and those who care about them. KATC provides information and referral, a loan library, computer training, computer lab, asssessment, and training to people with disabilitities and thsoe who support them in the quest to be as independent as possible in every aspect of life. Anyone of any age with any disability is eligible for services. We thank our Member Agencies, Foundations who provide grants, and private supporters for entrusting us with the ability to administer this program. On January 18, 2008 the Kern Assistive Technology Center will host "Good Time in the Ole Town". The event is our annual fundraising dinner to celebrate the years accomplishments and look to a new year full of challenges and opportunites. We will have a great dinner: BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, sasparilla  and all the fixens! There will be a jail so you can lock up someone you like (or not) for a modest donation. We have square dancing, music, a no host bar and an over all good time for all. Tickets are $25 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets you may call, 852-3291.