Navigating the Internet as a Quadriplegic

by GeorgeQUAD on Jan 4, 2012 3:19 PM EST

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 editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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questions man. This is awesome. I’m pumped you’re able to join us on Bucs Dugout. Really glad to have you.

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by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Jan 4, 2012 5:32 PM EST reply actions

Holy shit.

“Inspiring” is a word that gets thrown around way too casually, but George, that is literally inspiring. So glad that you take that much effort to contribute to our community here. Hope you enjoy your time here, too.

by Garrett122 on Jan 4, 2012 8:04 PM EST reply actions

It is a very inspiring story.

Also I used to use dragon but found it hard to get it to write what I said so I eventually just went back to typing because I didnt feel I was saving much time using it. Do you have the same problems George. and I don’t want to sound rude but was curious how you were injured.

by buccobat on Jan 4, 2012 9:12 PM EST reply actions

July 6, 1991 Dewey Beach Delaware

I was out around 25 yards from the shore. I started swimming in and did not look behind me. The waves are choppy on the upper East coast. The wave either drove me right into the sand or flipped me at the shore. I knew I broke my neck. Every day I wish I swallowed the entire ocean. My friend turned me over and I told him, “I can’t move or feel a thing.” I remember every second from on this HELL RIDE for 20 years and going. Except July 9,1991(day of surgery) in a morphine haze I was in for a week after the operation.

That’s the cold truth.

George

by GeorgeQUAD on Jan 5, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions

Hey George

This isn’t pity but I have to say my heart goes out to you. I am a huge believer in reincarnation and in your next life you’re coming back as a centerfielder, hopefully
for the Bucco’s. What an example you set for people here, especially myself. Looking
forward to your posts as the season begins.

by pineapplepete on Jan 6, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

awesome

good to have you. and how cool is it that your speech software knows “yada yada yada”? some programmer out there is a seinfeld geek.

by johnnycuff on Jan 5, 2012 1:31 PM EST reply actions

no kiddin

the iPhone 4s wishes it came close to that ability of speech recognition

by theatrain on Jan 5, 2012 6:48 PM EST up reply actions

I can’t even get my iphone 4s to do the commercial speech..

What’s my day look like? phrase….

It doesn’t seem to understand me and I spoke clearly lol…

by lfhlaw on Jan 10, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

wowsa

respect!

by BlindSquirrel on Jan 5, 2012 7:17 PM EST reply actions

THANK YOU TO ALL~!

I appreciate the kind words from everyone.

George

by GeorgeQUAD on Jan 9, 2012 2:48 PM EST reply actions

Wow

Mad respect sir. Welcome to the community.

The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.
Perspectives become reality.
Twitter: @shanecglass

by glass0941 on Jan 9, 2012 4:31 PM EST reply actions

Wow..

George, thanks for sharing your story….. welcome to Bucs Dugout!

by JSteelers86 on Jan 9, 2012 6:20 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for the inspiring story george. Welcome if you haven’t been here before. Perhaps you’ll get out to join us with your Family at the Gathering III when we all attend the bucco game? We’re a motley Bucco Bunch but a fun group.

Don’t know if you live close to attend games or not.

We do the Gathering once a year and many of the Bucco bloggers here from out of state show up. We Tailgate and start around 2 PM or so….you don’t have to be there that early though. I don’t think there’s been a game picked yet. Last year we went to the Saturday game against the Phillies and it was a great time…packed house.

by lfhlaw on Jan 10, 2012 1:40 PM EST reply actions