Inclusion Daily Express -- Fifty Years On, Machine Gives Man New Voice

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Fifty Years On, Machine Gives Man New Voice
December 12, 2005

DETROIT, MICHIGAN--The following four paragraphs are excerpts from a story by Oakland Press "Voices of Disability" columnist Jerry Wolffe:

It took nearly 50 years, but I finally got to have a conversation with my grade school classmate. Andy Slezinski told me, via use of a special computer and voice-activation system, that he loved the Detroit Red Wings, remembered leading our class in the Pledge of Allegiance and spent the past 17 years in nursing or group homes.

For Slezinski, being able to talk and be understood easily is a marvel, and it made me feel great to see how intelligent and happy he is now. Slezinski, 58, has cerebral palsy, uses a power wheelchair and has a severe speech impairment which made it impossible for me to understand him.

As our teacher from 45 years ago, Jean Bestervelt, looked on, Slezinski told me about his life since we graduated from the ninth grade. He used a DynaVox 3100 Speaking System he obtained after moving into the Oxford home.

"I am writing a book," Slezinski said by pushing his head on a round pad attached to the headrest of his power wheelchair. The pad operates a computer screen that shows both pictographs and a keyboard. He also can control his radio and television with the pad.

Entire article:
"Machine finally gives this old friend a voice" (Oakland Press)
http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/112405/oak_2005112411.shtml

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