Straight Talk: How I Use Assistive Technology
My name is Tracy Rackensperger. I am a public service faculty member at the University of Georgia, Institute of Human Development and Disability (IHDD). I have worked at UGA for over nine years now in the development of course content for the introductory course of our Disability Studies Certificate Program, and serve as instructor for this course.
I am also a PhD candidate majoring in social foundations of education. With so much under my belt, I heavily rely on assistive technologies for employment, education and recreation. I see assistive technology as any object(s) helping a person with a disability complete a task because without this item, the person would either have great difficulty with or be unable to complete the task. This way of thinking incorporates the high assistive technologies items I use, like my power wheelchair and augmentative communication device. Additionally, this way of thinking incorporates the low assistive technologies items I use, such as the sports bottles I drink out of and the modified forks I use to feed myself.
At work, I use a lot of assistive technology. I use powered adjustable tables that allow me to raise and lower my work surfaces and monitors throughout the day. They are sturdy and easy to use. Both at work and for my education, I use dual computer monitors and I also use Bluetooth to connect my communication device to computers as well as adapted keyboards to type. I use a communication device to communicate with people who have difficulty understanding my own natural speech. People who have known me for a while can understand my natural speech almost all the time, but strangers usually have no clue what I am saying unless I use augmentative communication. I use my device to interact with students, classmates, coworkers, strangers and friends. I prepare class lectures on my personal computer and then upload files to my communication device.
At home, I replaced my standard deadbolt with a keyless front door lock and I can unlock the door with the press of a button on a keypad via a code that has been programmed on the keypad. The keypad can even be lit in the dark to make entering in my code easier. Plus, I have support people who assist me with things like getting up. With their own personal codes, they can enter my home with just a few simple pushes of a button and lock it with just one. I get more control over who has access to my home. I just assign a code to whoever needs one and delete it when I see fit.
Assistive technology is not just for work. Outside of work, I am really into sports and recreation. I am a big snow skier, and I use what is called a bi-ski. A bi-ski is a ski with a bucket seat and two skis. I ski with the assistance of an instructor using stabilizing outriggers and tethers. I lean the direction I want to turn the bi-ski. The bi-ski has a lift mechanism for getting onto a chairlift. I participate in many other sports using assistive technology including power (wheelchair) soccer.
By Tracy Rackensperger
Public Service Faculty and Outreach and Community Education Coordinator at University of Georgia's Institute on Human Development and Disability
Tags: Making a Difference, Straight Talk