Jennifer Linder
I live in an apartment with my significant other, Gene, and our dog, Cocoa. I graduated from Allegany High School in Cumberland, MD in 1996. I went on to obtain an Associates of Arts degree in Computer Science from Allegany College of Maryland with a certificate in medical coding all through using the Liberator and then Pathfinder communication system. I am currently using an ECO and working on starting my own business. I am working for Money Follows the Person and At Last, Inc.
My greatest strengths are determination and will power. I have never taken “no” for an answer and I succeed at whatever I put my mind to regardless of the restrictions placed on me.
The biggest challenge in my life was communicating during my time through college. I overcame this challenge by learning how to make the Pathfinder work for me. I researched and found ways to use my Pathfinder along with the computers at school and home to help me succeed with my studies.
A major goal for me is to start my own business. I also wish to live as independently as possible and continue to be an advocate and instructor to others who have communication barriers. In order to accomplish these goals, I gave total focus to my studies. I graduated in December of 2004 with my certification in medical coding. I am always willing to speak and educate others on how they too can use technology to assist them in achieving their dreams.
In 2008, I obtained an ECO. I have been able to program my ECO to allow more independence in my home including operation of the home computer, TV, lights, radio and cell phone. The ECO has played a huge role in helping me fulfill my dreams. It allows me to communicate my wants and needs as well as complete work-related duties such as résumé preparation, data entry, and many other computer skills. My dream to be independent would be pretty much impossible without the use of my communication device. I do really love my augmentative communication device and I wouldn't be where I am at today without it.
I have been using Speech-to-Speech or STS to make all of my calls. It is like TTY, the operator assists in the call when necessary. It is helpful for me because I can be more independent and make the calls myself. STS is easy to use. Dr. Bob Segalman, the founder of STS, supports this idea for people who have speech problems or use augmentative communication. I have been asked to be on the board of directors for STS. I am looking forward to this opportunity to share my knowledge with others.
I am a huge NASCAR fan. When not watching NASCAR, I listen to country music and love to go on vacation. I am a fan of the outdoors. Gene and I love going on walks in our wheelchairs with our dog, Cocoa. She is a min-pin and Chihuahua mix. Gene and I do things like any other couple. We go to the mall, to the movies, and all that fun stuff.
I have spoken at several conferences over the past two years with Dr. BJ Gallagher. We were co-presenters at the Closing the Gap Conference in October, 2009, and recently at the ASHA convention in November, 2010. I enjoy sharing my ideas and feelings on how others can become better communication partners when talking with individuals using augmentative communication.
Using the ECO, I have set up a FaceBook account to share what I have learned and to help others with their independence using the ECO. If you would like to “friend” me, search for my email address: htwheels2003@yahoo.com.
Jennifer Lindner
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