Chris Klein: Building Relationships through the Tools of Communication

Chris Klein is a graduate of Hope College, and is the driving force for Clay Vessel Inc (http://www.clayvesselinc.org ), a not-for-profit resource for assistive technology. Chris was born with cerebral palsy, and uses augmentative communication to help support his work with Clay Vessel, be a Motivational Speaker, be an active member of his community and local church, and live independently in Holland, Michigan. Chris strives to live his life to the fullest.

This video was produced by Chris Klein and David McNaughton as part of the work of the AAC-RERC (http://aac-rerc.com ). The AAC-RERC is funded by NIDRR under grant #H133E080011.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• assistive technology
• aac-rerc
• rerc
• nidrr
• communication
• inclusion
• community
• living
• cerebral
• palsy
• PCA

[bartmasochist]

Absolutely amazing!



[LuvRK9s]

Great Video, thanks for sharing your life, friends! I hope my daughter (12) will have the same positive experiences with friends and a support system as you do!

[groverinwelly]

@MrToe3423 , Many thanks! The talk was well received!

[yvnesinep]

Hi Chris! I just saw a screening of "Only God Could Hear Me," which compelled me to look you up online and view this video and check out Clay Vessel. Thank you for all the amazing work that you're doing!

[MrToe3423]

Hi Shannon! I was gone last week. Yes, you can use this video to do that. I think that would work well. I am going to email you too! We'll be in touch.

[MrToe3423]

I was mainstreamed in third grade. I was slowly mainstreamed in first and second grade, which was after I received my first AAC device at the age of 6. You are right mainstreaming helped me to get where I am now, but without my AAC device I wouldn't have been. It is my AAC device that showed everyone I had language.

[groverinwelly]

Hi Chris, I just sent you an email. I was wondering if you'd be okay with me using this really great video for a talk introducing what AAC is to a group of research engineers here in Italy? Thanks, Shannon

[BigFunPodge]

Chris, your video is awesome. Were you integrated into regular classrooms in school? That can make a huge difference when it comes to people with and without disabilities forming relationships and participating in activities together. I'm also wondering if you work from home.

[MrToe3423]

Hello Katile69, It is a good question. I drive my wheelchair with my right foot. I do everything with my feet and toes. I use my communication device with my toes also. That is why my nickname is MrToe. I am hoping more questions are asked.

[Katilea69]

great video.. how do you drive your chair?