Keirnan – Game On!
- 22/03/2024

- Overview
- Video
One SET-BC Student’s Story of Perseverance and Success
Keirnan is a grade nine student at Sa-Hali Secondary School in Kamloops. He has Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (LNS), a rare metabolic disorder that often causes unpredictable behaviours, including uncontrollable self-injury and an inability to coordinate his muscle movements. Up until very recently, Keirnan had never used a computer, cell phone, gaming system, or even a TV independently.
In his grade seven year, Keirnan’s school team reached out to SET-BC for support, and thus began what would become a life changing journey for him. To get started, the SET-BC team, which included an Educator and an Occupational Therapist, collaborated with Keirnan’s school team, which included a classroom teacher, a learning assistance teacher, an Occupational Therapist, and a Certified Educational Assistant to create an action plan to address Keirnan’s technology needs. Together, the entire team worked to trial different types of assistive technology to determine the most effective access method for Keirnan. The SET-BC provided assistive technology included Grid 3 software, a switch interface and switches, an adaptive joystick, adaptive gaming controls, and custom mounting. SET-BC also provided the school team with ongoing training, troubleshooting, and implementation support to facilitate the action plan.
Learning to navigate his new technology was not easy for Keirnan, but his determination, coupled with training provided by SET-BC and support from his school team, facilitated rapid progress. Despite facing initial frustrations and challenges, Keirnan displayed perseverance and resilience in learning how to control his computer. After a few short months of hard work, Keirnan was able to surprise his parents with a Christmas card that he composed and typed himself! This marked a pivotal moment for Keirnan and made him realize that anything was possible.
Assistive technology has changed Keirnan’s life in many positive ways and has provided him with a level of independence that he never thought would be possible. Since his initial successes, Keirnan has embarked on a remarkable journey of independence, empowerment, and advocacy. He wrote a grant proposal and started an adapted gaming club at his school. He wrote a letter to his school principal advocating for improved physical accessibility. He also wrote letters to the school board and the BCTF to help them understand the barriers to inclusion that he faces at school. Keirnan is now able to complete schoolwork independently, navigate the internet, and engage in other typical teenage activities, such as watching YouTube, or gaming with his friends.
Keirnan reflects on his journey with gratitude, acknowledging the pivotal role of SET-BC and his school team in his transformation. His story serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities achievable through effective team collaboration and access to assistive technology. Keirnan sums up his story as follows: “Never give up on yourself! Even if you think it’s too difficult, you can always put your mind to it, work hard, and learn how to do new things!”
Resource Overview
Resource Topic
- Communication
Tools & Technologies
- AAC
- Eye Gaze
- Switch