Profile of Success - Shannon Pedigo 
Hi, my name is Shannon Pedigo. I am 23 years old. I live with my mom and three brothers. I graduated from Plano East High in 1999. I then attended Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas. I was born with athetoid cerebral palsy. I am orthopedically speech handicapped. Mentally I am fine, so nothing sneaks by me.
I am always very positive, always happy, and have many friends. I began on my Pathfinder in high school. My mom is not too hot on computers, so I taught myself how to use and program the device. Plus, I taught myself to use a regular computer and everything on it.
While in college the device came in handy because I had to do a lot of oral reports for child development classes. I programmed the reports and presented to the class with my Pathfinder device. Everyone was amazed how my Pathfinder has changed my life. I am now a mentor at a middle school by my house teaching other children how to use their devices, and if they refuse, I have been able to motivate them to want to be involved with their devices. I am also helping with the Prentke Romich Company conventions showing people how easy the device is to use.
At home I use an Eyegaze system. I look at a camera to type a letter or help me with other activties. This really changed my life. I can explore websites by using the Internet and I can check my e-mail. I love to do that. I can talk on the telephone. I received my Eyegaze at the beginning of college. It has given me the independence to do everything by myself. I can write papers for my classes. So by using the Eyegaze system and the Pathfinder device, I am able to be independent in my daily activities.
Shannon Pedigo