FanPost

Navigating the Internet as a Quadriplegic


I am not selfish narcissist. Nor do I want sympathy or pity. Vlad was interested on how I "use the computer." Now sharing my story on Bucs Dugout so you can understand handicapped challenges.

I am a C-5 quadriplegic. I cannot move anything down from my biceps. So I obviously cannot use my hands. However, I have “extended finger” that go underneath my hand splints if I want to “hunt and peck” on the keyboard. I have two assistive technology items that are used every day.


I have an adjustable arm called a Jouse2. The Jouse2 is mounted to my computer table. It plugs into the back of the USB port. At the top of the arm, I move the cursor around by mouth. I Puff once to left-click, I Puff twice to double left-click. I Sip once to right-click. I Sip twice to double right-click. I am sure you have heard of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. You talk and it prints your words. I speak in short fragments for the best accuracy in emails websites, letters, yada yada yada.. My user files are six years old so there are few mistakes. I also use the onscreen keyboard for punctuation and if Dragon continues to recognize my speech. All for a total cost of $10,000. It is worth every penny for computer independence.

Do you understand or have questions?

George

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editors or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.