Stephen Hawking is considered on of the greatest minds the human race ever created and he was lucky that his brilliance was discovered prior to his degeneration into a non communicative state.
My cousin, like many others, became non communicative early in life and developed communication skills which impart minimal amounts of information about their needs but only with those who understand their minimal individual communications.
Chris' condition is due to his fathers exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He is 37 years old and living in a small group home with two other special needs adults.
Chris uses arm movements now but used a personal set of hand signs prior to the loss of any ability to use his fingers.
No one doubts his intelligence, and we don't expect him to be a super genius. He was actually the first special education graduate from Arlington, Texas' North Lamar High School. At the time of his graduation he was able to use a communications box which was fairly good for the period 20 years ago but his ability to use it was already limited due his degenerating condition.
I am taking over as his guardian and hope to find (and fund) methods which will give him the ability to communicate effectively and use the net. I am at the beginning of my quest to unlock his mind. One resource I have found and will check out soon is the Texas Technology Access Program which was created by the University of Texas.
Our mission is to increase access for people with disabilities to Assistive Technology that provides them more control over their immediate environments and an enhanced ability to function independently.
The Texas Technology Access Program leads the state's efforts to carry out the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004.
Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Simply stated, Assistive Technology is tools and resources used by individuals with disabilities to help improve their quality of life and increase their independence.
We develop programs to improve access, advocacy, and awareness of Assistive Technology to meet the needs of Texans with disabilities.
With Chris' limited muscle control and mobility I have doubts about finding something he can use without modification but I will try.