Beata's Story
My name is Beata. I have Cerebral Palsy. My Cerebral Palsy was caused when my brain got a bleeding in it during birth. Cerebral Palsy can also be caused by, a lack of oxygen, or injury to the brain during birth, shortly before birth, or up to 5 years of age. Mine is very severe, I am a spastic quadriplegic, this means I can not control any of my 4 limbs. I can’t eat. I have a walker, to help me walk. This machine that I am using to write this is called a Pathfinder, it helps me to communicate with the world. Living with Cerebral Palsy is very difficult, but to wish it away would be wishing away everything that I love. Thanks to a loving family, great friends, and technology, I would not be happier if I had been born with out Cerebral Palsy. Please do not feel sorry for me, or say “Oh, that’s sad.” Oh brother! I am so happy. I am so happy, with who I am, and there is nothing sad about that!
My good friend Jordan Powell passed away because of Cancer in November 2004. yuck! I decided to do something to help people that have Cancer. I can’t run a marathon, and I don’t have much money to donate, so I decided to donate one of the most precious things to me. My beautiful, long, hair! It took me awhile to convince my mother but eventually she agreed to let me do it and I had my pony tail chopped off right at the top. I was a little sad to see it go, but I do LOVE my short hair, and of course I still look gorgeous!
Berta's Graduation Photo
Beata is graduating with honours this June, which is quite a feat for anyone. For someone who uses single switch access it is a truly remarkable accomplishment. She began using assistive technology from SET-BC in 1991 with a Mac LCII and ke:nx and is now using an iMac with a Discover Switch. Beata is also using a Pathfinder for writing and communication. The Pathfinder will stay with Beata after graduation through the CAYA Project . We wish Beata every happiness and success in her post secondary career.
 |
 |
Beata uses her Pathfinder to communicate with Amanda, her Teaching Assistant |
|
|
|