Clayton Takes Control of his Assistive Technology

April 2008

Clayton is in Grade 9 at KLO Middle School in Kelowna. He has cerebral palsy which limits his ability to handwrite with speed and legibility. He has had technology from SET-BC since 1999 when he started with a desktop computer with Co:Writer and Write:Outloud with access using an Intellikeys keyboard. As his skills improved and needs changed, he switched to a laptop with direct keyboarding access which allowed him the ability to move his computer easily from class to class with his peers and to take it home to complete his homework and to connect with his many peers through e-mail. Initially, his access speed was slow but with much practice, he has increased his speed noticeably. He has learned to use Kurzweil 3000 to complete worksheets and to listen to his texts. Because of limited time to practice at school, Clayton has taken it upon himself to learn how to use Dragon Naturally Speaking, a voice recognition program, at home. He hopes to use this program more in the future to decrease his reliance on his educational assistant for note taking.

What is remarkable about Clayton is that despite his significant physical challenges, he is totally independent in the use and maintenance of his computer. He independently contacts his SET-BC consultant, Kathy Ryan, with questions via e-mail and is almost always capable of making the needed changes himself. No doubt, the technology skills Clayton is acquiring will take him a long way.

In October of 2007, Clayton had the opportunity to join a group of students from his school camping at Cathedral Lakes Park. As it turned out, winter had arrived early in the mountains but this hardy group of students managed to overcome the elements, sleeping outside in tents and hiking in this magnificent area. It was no small feat as his friends carried him, Sherpa-style in a trail-rider, through snow that was up to their knees. After this incredible experience, Clayton prepared an oral and photo presentation, using his SET-BC technology, and presented it to his entire school. It would be a daunting experience for any 14 year old to speak in front of 800 peers and teachers but Clayton did an outstanding job. You can read and see more about Clayton’s experience by visiting the Virtual Voices Village website.

Here, Clayton works with his physiotherapist, Karol. She has been a longstanding advocate for his use of technology and was an integral part of Clayton’s participation in his Cathedral Lakes adventure.