Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology Meet the Speakers in the Videotape

Photo portrait of Eric

Eric
I am without vision and rely on hearing and touch. I use a personal computer with a speech synthesizer, scanner, Braille printer and, of course, a modem and access to the Internet. My interests are in biology, communications, radio, and other electronics. 

Image of Hollis

Hollis
I have Cerebral Palsy and use a power wheelchair. I also have impaired speech. I control my computer with a joystick and a footswitch that I helped design. I also use Morse code to type text. My interests are in civil and mechanical engineering. My goal is to become a civil engineer.

Photo portrait of Nhi

Nhi
My vision is limited as the result of Multiple Sclerosis. I use large print and voice output programs on my computer. After I finish high school I will go to college to study computer science. 

Picture of Sherri

Sherri
I have optic atrophy and am legally blind. I use software that enlarges screen images so that I can see them. It has been invaluable to me to have a computer and Internet access. I have met many people and have learned about their college experiences which will help my transition to college. My interests are in genetics, psychology, and computers, and I enjoy doing volunteer work in my community.

Photo portrait of Anna

Anna
I've been blind since I was four as a result of a kind of cancer called retinoblastoma. My major in college is cellular and molecular biology and I would like to go into genetics. My computer has been invaluable to me. It reads the screen to me. I could not write papers or do homework without it. Someday I would like to be a working member of the crew on the space shuttle.

Photo portrait of Randy

Randy
I am totally blind. My interests include foreign languages and computer science. My computer and Internet account opened a whole new world for me and have given me independence.

Photo portrait of Lloyd

Lloyd
I have a hearing impairment My computer gives visual cues instead of aural. I am interested in electrical engineering.

Photo portrait of Katie

Katie
I have a hearing impairment. I use computers for school and work. I have met lots of interesting people on the Internet.

Image of Takuya

Takuya
My disabilities are health impairment, nervous system dysmorphia, and congenital scoliosis. My interests are physics, biology, theory of math, trigonometry, calculus, and computers. The Internet has helped me find information about college.

Image of Daniel

Daniel
I have a learning disability. I have trouble in math and spelling. It takes me longer to read and take tests. Computers help me with spelling and grammar and make my reports look more professional.

Image of Sarah

Sarah
I have a learning disability called Dyslexia which affects my reading, math, and spelling. Computers help me with these subjects and have made me open more doors for myself in believing I can DO-IT for life! After high school I plan on going to a university in Nevada and majoring in Clinical Lab Science.

Image of Katie

Katharine
I'm learning disabled and reading is difficult. I enjoy mathematics, business, and engineering. I use voice output and a scanner with my computer, both of which help me with reading. I have met really great, supportive people through e-mail.

Image of Mitch

Mitch
My primary disability is Spina Bifida. It is minor, but the secondary condition, Scoliosis, has caused me to be in the hospital a lot. My greatest scientific interest is genetics. On the Internet I have access to a whole world of people and information.

Photo portrait of Rodney

Rodney
My disability is Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). I have no functional use of my arms and legs. I use a mouth stick to operate my computer. My interests include computer programming, reading, writing, and wasting time. I plan to go to college and study political science and journalism.

Erofei
I lost my hands in a farming accident. After I graduate from high school, I plan to attend college and become a drafting engineer. Some of my favorite activities are soccer, fishing, and rollerblading.

Photo portrait of 1993 DO-IT Scholar Mark

Mark
I have Muscular Dystrophy and use a wheelchair. I use adaptive technology that allows me to operate the computer and the Internet using my head. My interests are astronomy, art, and writing.

Image of Ben

Ben
I have Muscular Dystrophy. Since getting access to the Internet, my subjects of interest have increased dramatically because now I can access information on a whim. Without my computer and the Internet, I'd still probably be watching other people have success but now they're watching me.

Picture of Maria

Maria
I have post-polio which makes it difficult to walk. I'm interested in psychology, biology, and chemistry. Having a computer connected to the Internet helps me out with all of my classes. Instead of walking to the library, I can have a head start finding crucial information to write a paper for my classes.

Photo portrait of Nadira

Nadira
I have neuropathy and I use a wheelchair. After high school I plan to go to medical school. My interests are computers, music, and reading.

Photo portrait of Megan

Megan
My disability is chronic lyme disease. The computer enables me to do schoolwork from home. My academic interests are biology, anatomy, physiology, and math. I am also interested in music.

Additional Information

DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) serves to increase the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs such as those in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Primary funding for DO-IT is provided by the National Science Foundation, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Department of Education. DO-IT is a collaboration of UW Information Technology and the Colleges of Engineering and Education at the University of Washington.

Grants and gifts fund DO-IT publications, videos, and programs to support the academic and career success of people with disabilities. Contribute today by sending a check to DO-IT, Box 354842, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-4842.

Your gift is tax deductible as specified in IRS regulations. Pursuant to RCW 19.09, the University of Washington is registered as a charitable organization with the Secretary of State, state of Washington. For more information call the Office of the Secretary of State, 1-800-322-4483.

To order free publications or newsletters use the DO-IT Publications Order Form; to order videos and training materials use the Videos, Books and Comprehensive Training Materials Order Form.

For further information, to be placed on the DO-IT mailing list, request materials in an alternate format, or to make comments or suggestions about DO-IT publications or web pages contact:

DO-IT
University of Washington
Box 354842
Seattle, WA 98195-4842

doit@uw.edu
www.uw.edu/doit/

206-685-DOIT (3648) (voice/TTY)
888-972-DOIT (3648) (voice/TTY)
206-221-4171 (fax) 509-328-9331 (voice/TTY) Spokane

Founder and Director: Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.

DO-IT Funding and Partners