Grant Gose
January 3, 2012
What exactly is assistive
technology? In my own words, before I go searching Google, I would define
“assistive technology” as a piece of equipment that enables someone with a
disability to perform a task, whether it is simple or extravagant in a better,
more efficient manner. Now, the dictionary definition (http://www.rehabtool.com/forum/discussions/1.html)
states that: Assistive
Technology products can
enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them
in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help
them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.
On my own, I researched
three people who are classified as having disabilities, they are: Ted Kennedy
Junior, Cher Bono, and Stevie Wonder. To begin, Ted Kennedy Junior is a famous
amputee because his leg was amputated on November 17, 1973, immediately after
cancer was discovered; to the family’s dismay, this was the same date of his
sister’s wedding. Therefore, his father was forced to leave the hospital while
his son was in the operating room to walk his daughter down the aisle; only to
rush back to the hospital immediately afterwards.
Secondly, Cher Bono is a
well known advocate for people with Dyslexia. Cher quit school at a young age
to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become an actor/singer. She began by
taking acting lessons in Los Angeles and luckily, she persisted, and one day,
she was discovered by Sonny Bono at the renowned Aldo’s Coffee Shop.
Next, Tim Conley, a famous
professional golfer suffers from Mieneres Disease (which is more commonly known
as the loss of hearing in one ear). He is from Cleveland, Ohio, and currently
resides in Gainesville, Georgia. Mr. Conley graduated in 1973 with a degree in
English from Akron University.
Lastly, Stevie Wonder, a
widely known, Detroit music legend, was born blind. Mr. Wonder is originally
from Saginaw, Michigan; he became a musical prodigy by the time he was eight
years old, and developed into one of the greatest musical composers/singers
near the end of the twentieth century.
