CEREBRAL PALSY NEWS
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"Online Communication Helps Those with CP"
November 27, 2007
Although Gregory Walsh and Austin Lam sit across from one another in their wheelchairs saying nothing, on a level beyond speech they are able to communicate more that most realize.
Walsh, a 28-year-old man with cerebral palsy and Lam, who is 13-years-old and is living with the same disability, have taught one another how to get by the challenges that each of them face.
Boy and Mentor Look Towards the Future
The boy and the man he looks to as a role model are waiting for the day when Austin’s parents receive their specially equipped computer device, which will enable them to access the Internet.
Austin and Gregory will just be two more of the many living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities who communicate online using a program run by Partners for Youth with Disabilities.
“It’s going to open up a whole new area for Gregory and Austin,” explains Janice Walsh, Gregory’s mother. “It will reinforce their relationship. They’ll become even better friends than they are now.”
Friendship from Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Partners for Youth with Disabilities, a nonprofit organization in Boston, added online components to their mentoring program four years ago to help patients like Walsh and Lam communicate with one another better.
The organization matches at least 80 new mentorship pairs a year between disabled adults and disabled youths.
Not only do patients communicate with one another via email, but they also are able to join online chats and forums with other disabled youths.
“Youths that were isolated have been able to have experiences, education, and support that they wouldn’t otherwise have had,” says Regina Snowden, founder and CEO of Partners for Youth with Disabilities.
(Source: The Boston Globe)
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