DA VINCI AWARD

In 2005 I received the Da Vinci Award for my work in AAC. Many people, such as myself, can't talk clearly. So we use a voice output communication aid (OCA) to communicate with. Basically you type in what you want spoken and the device says it. By editing the individual phonetic sounds, I can assign these sounds to pitches and time values. Doing so lets me program these devices to sing. So, I program songs for people all over the world so that they too can sing.

If you are a parent of a disabled child and are lost for expectations, may this video inspire all who watch it. The more you encourage your child, the farther that child will go in life. At the time of my birth I was diagnosed as brain dead and it was said that the most I would ever do is roll over. Well, they were partly right, I make people roll over with all the things I can do. And anyone can go even farther in life than what I have.

If you or someone you know has a dream, explore what it would take to make your dream come true and don't give up. If you want to be a painter, dancer, singer, or even the President, there is nothing stopping you! I can't walk, so I get around in a wheelchair, therefore I no longer have a disability because I have found ways around doing things that I can't do. So whatever it is that you can't do, find away around it. Once you do, nothing can stop you.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• VOCA
• AAC
• SNOOPI
• BOTTEN
• DA VINCI

[raynmoonfire]

This is amazing work that you are doing! I am a speech language pathologist that works with many individuals that use AAC devices. I had no idea this existed. You are an inspiration!