Profile of Success - Donnie Goodin
Each
year the students in Dr. Jan Rowe's Assistive Technology class at the University
of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Occupational Therapy, partner with people
in the community who need assistive technology. In this way the students gain
valuable experience in real-world situations. "This year (2004) we have partnered
with…Donnie Goodin," explains Dr. Rowe. "He is in his late 40's, drives a power
wheelchair because he cannot walk due to a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, speaks
but is difficult to understand, and sells candy, gum and chips to the community
from the back of his wheelchair."
Donnie's technology needs include mobility and seating, computer, home modifications, communication and leisure. The occupational therapy class of 2004 has been divided into five groups to address these issues according to Donnie's specifications.
"[Donnie] is busy and has a schedule to keep selling his goods in the community and the students have very busy schedules as well. Scheduling meetings has been the most challenging issue this semester, complicated by communication difficulties," said Dr. Rowe. "Donnie is a social person and wants to interact with people….He needs to be understood!"
As a result of the work with Donnie, he now has a new power wheelchair, an updated computer with Internet access, speed dialing on his cell phone, and much easier remote access to the TV, VCR, lamps and telephones. The class has been instrumental in assisting Donnie in his funding efforts for the Vanguard along with his new power wheelchair. The students assisted him in filing the paperwork with the city bus system for door-to-door pick up enabling him to participate in more church, social, and leisure activities.
Dr. Rowe says, "This indeed has been a real world exposure for the occupational therapy students at UAB. Donnie has definite thoughts and opinions about what he wants and when he wants it."
January, 2005 update: Donnie (the Candy Man) is now back in business, after a couple of months without a power chair. During his time at home he had many opportunities to practice with his device and is becoming very proficient with Unity. He is also controlling his environment through his Vanguard including lights, TV, VCR, as well as accessing the computer for games and e-mail. At 50 years of age, having a voice has truly been life changing for Donnie.