Assistive Technology, Inc.
Chris Schweda enjoys increased independence with his Mercury on his wheelchair. For many years Chris, who is unable to speak or move his limbs due to Cerebral Palsy, had been searching for a way to communicate and do schoolwork. Chris, who is 22, lives and goes to school in Greenville, Michigan. He has been working together with paraprofessional Lorrie Wooster for six years.
Christopher Schweda with Lorrie Wooster
Photo courtesy of The Daily News (Greenville, MI)
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His mother, Tami Miller, recalls how Chris always knew what he wanted to accomplish and say but was physically kept from doing those things. Lorrie agrees that before they found the Mercury, Chris encountered a lot of frustration. "Finding a device that could handle many tasks was our greatest challenge," Lorrie says. Chris not only needed a way to communicate but also ways to independently complete daily tasks.
Now, Chris uses his Mercury with Speaking Dynamically Pro for communication and schoolwork. He controls his wheelchair using buttons in his headrest, and operates programs on the Mercury using a head switch. Chris uses Scan-and-Read for reading stories aloud during community guest appearances and personal reading for pleasure. He uses Word Power to compose electronic mail. "I like it on my wheelchair so I can talk all the time," Chris says.
In addition to the communication features, Chris also quickly mastered the Mercury's built-in environmental controls. "The TV controls are great!" he says. His mom is thrilled that Chris can now initiate conversation at home and with others who are not necessarily familiar with him. Although Chris has graduated from high school, he has stayed for continuing education. His Mercury has helped him to show steady improvement in math and writing skills.
On top of school, he keeps a jam-packed schedule. Chris visits nursing homes, community groups and classrooms 4-5 times each month to advocate for greater understanding and social acceptance of people with disabilities. He raises awareness by telling others about the challenges he encounters with daily tasks. He also has been presenting at "Disability Awareness Day" at the area middle school for 4 years. "He hopes that he can help people to understand and feel more comfortable around those who have a disability," explains Lorrie. Chris's passion and dedication haven't gone unnoticed: his many years of community service earned him a Council for Exceptional Children's international "Yes I Can" award for the state of Michigan in 2003.
Lorrie says that Chris's Mercury is powered on at all times, mounted on a bar to his wheelchair so he can access it at will. Her job of programming the Mercury for Chris is simplified by its capability to run any software designed for Windows XP. The Mercury's versatility has allowed Chris to freely explore ways to advance the level of his independence, including ideas for streamlining social interactions and tasks. As Chris enters adulthood, we hope that his Mercury will be ever more useful as he continues to customize it to match his personal development.
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