Technology gives teenager a means of communication

The 14-year-old eighth-grader has cerebral palsy and uses a communication device to talk and complete his school assignments at Shiloh Middle School in the Carroll County Public Schools system.

“This device lets me speak like anyone else,” he said via the Pathfinder.

The 12-inch-by-10-inch device is mounted on his wheelchair and features letters, symbols and pictures, which he pushes to communicate.

The Pathfinder comes programmed with about 5,000 words, but allows users to program more. It also connects to a laptop computer, printer and scanner.

Zach has used the Pathfinder for five years, and it has enabled him to participate fully in regular education classes, said his mother, Danya Bryant.

“He is a straight-A student; occasionally he gets a B,” she said.

Zach?s Pathfinder also has enabled him to compose music ? a hobby he has enjoyed for years.

“I like Led Zeppelin, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix,” said Zach, who recently discussed using technology to further his musical interests during a conference sponsored by TASH, an international association of people with disabilities that advocates for inclusion of all people into society.

“He?s so mature, wise beyond his years,” said Amy Vanhook, his instructional aide, who has an easygoing relationship with Zach.

“He?s amazing,” said Molly Riggs, assistive technology practitioner with the school system who evaluates special students? needs for technological devices.

Riggs said she was impressed with how well Zach uses Pathfinder to live his life beyond school.

“He can also use it to control the TV and lights,” she said.

Assistive technology ? devices used to improve the capabilities of people with disabilities ? are on the rise, Riggs said.

“Within the past three or four years, more and more students are using assistive technology,” she said, adding that 40 out of 120 students who work with her use such devices.

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