Profile of Success - Randy Horton
"I can talk to whoever I want, anytime I want. Everyone understands me," expresses Randy Horton.
Randy Horton is a 41-year-old "cowboy at heart" who lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife Kimberly. With the assistance of his Liberator with Word Strategy, he works as an advocate for people with disabilities. Randy has a passionate interest in helping people with disabilities obtain placement in supportive living situations. This issue has personal significance for Randy because he was in an institution for five long years without a voice. When he finally moved out of the institution, the committee at his residence asked him to speak on behalf of others who desire more supportive living situations. "Right now, I am trying to help someone out of a nursing home by advocating at a regional center," explained Randy.
Another significant advocacy issue for him is assisting individuals with speech impairments in obtaining ACC devices. He has personal experience with this particular issue also, as he spent two years self-advocating to his local regional center for the purchase of a Liberator. He continues to advocate for people on ACC devices by speaking to regional centers in an effort to raise financial support for them to attend the Pittsburgh Employment Conference (PEC). PEC's topic this year is "The Role of Mentoring and Personal Assistant Care in Employment." Randy will be presenting on the importance of AAC consumers receiving the proper amount of device training. At the California State University - Northridge (CSUN) Conference, he helped promote PEC and "He did an excellent job," exclaimed Bob Conti, a board member of SHOUT.
Randy enjoys listening to "old time country and western music and the
jamming oldies." He has seen county stars Johnny Cash and Red Sovine in
concert and had the unique opportunity to met Red Sovine in person. He also
received a harmonica from Johnny Cash when Johnny tossed it into his lap at
the concert.
Randy, we wish you the best as you continue to help others achieve freedom!