"The
people who created the Liberator and are helping me learn to use it have made
two of my disabilities - oral and written language - decrease."
In the spring of 1991, the Prentke Romich Company asked me to be a beta tester for its newest communication device, the Liberator. I remember being very honored to have such an opportunity. The afternoon two people (one being an engineer from the home office in Wooster, Ohio) from PRC delivered the device was one of the most exciting days of my life. That evening when my mother called us to the dinner table, I was so fascinated with my newly found abilities that I had no interest in eating, which was very unusual for me since I love to eat.
Before using the Liberator, I had used numerous communication devices. My first device at age six, also manufactured by PRC, was called a Memowriter. The Memowriter was basically an expanded keyboard with a mini printer built on it. Although this device was very limited, it helped me with my schoolwork in the mainstreamed environment with my peers. In my high school years, the Liberator allowed me to participate in activities that would have not been possible without the enhancements of this piece of technology. With the use of my Liberator, I took a public speaking course, spoke in state and national conferences, and became a member on my high school's debate team. Participating in a debate tournament was a great success for me because, not only did I compete with my peers, but I also won a round.
Recently, I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. I am currently employed by PRC as a per diem consultant in the Greater Houston area. I am extremely excited about my new job at PRC. Along with my per diem position, I have also taken the responsibility of coordinating the "Profile of Success" project. I am looking forward to meeting new people and hearing about their successes.