20082 - To Ucp.org - United Cerebral Palsy

N e w T e c h n o l o g y P u t s A S m i l e O n C i e r r a ’ s F a c e
When Cierra enrolled at UCP Delrey School in
2005, her ability to communicate was limited.
Her multiple disabilities restricted her ability to
walk and talk, and, at the time, her only form of
communication was a simple, low-tech device
affixed to her wheelchair. “It was apparent
very early on that this was not enough,” said
Patti Kurek, a speech therapist at Delrey, “She
had so much more that she wanted to say, so
much more she wanted to express.” Kurek was
determined to find a new voice for Cierra.
Kurek collaborated with Angela Strauch, the
director of UCP of Central Maryland’s No
Boundaries Assistive Technology Center, as well
as the Baltimore County Public School System
(BCPSS) to find the right device for Cierra.
“Cierra has a hard time keeping her head still,
so we needed a piece of equipment that would
be flexible in where it accepts her responses,”
said Kurek. After a thorough assessment using
2 0 0 8
A n n u a l R e p o r t
equipment recently donated to Delrey by Verizon
Maryland, the team identified an augmentative
communication device that was perfect for Cierra’s
needs, giving her the ability to communicate
in a life-like voice and have control over a fully
functioning computer using just her eyes.
Thanks to UCP’s perseverance and BCPSS’s
generous funding of the device, Cierra has a
new voice and a bright future. “The eyegaze
system has been a plus for Cierra’s future and
her communication,” said Kurek. “She’s amazing
with it.” According to Kurek, the device helps
Cierra communicate much clearer and faster. She
uses her device in class to respond to teachers’
questions, and she even uses it in her free time
to play games, such as Yahtzee. But what makes
this 11-year-old girl most excited about her new
communication device is the ability to e-mail
messages to her friends.
“It’s been a wonderful collaborative effort, and
Cierra is lucky to have such an amazing team on
her side,” said Kurek. “Cierra now has a glint in
her eye and a beautiful smile. It’s great to know
that we helped her take her abilities to the next
level.”
U C P W i s h L i s t
These are some of UCP’s current needs to
better serve people with disabilities.
Youth Up-N-Go Walker and accessories
................................................................................................. $5,000
Computerized Pressure Mapping System
................................................................................................. $7,500
Power Wheelchair and accessories for training
...................................................................................................$7,500
Funding for Delrey Alumni Adventure Club
................................................................................................. $1,500
Furnishings for new Delrey School lobby
..................................................................................................$2,500
Lift-Equipped Vans for Residential Program
.................................................................................... $34,000 ea.
Outdoor furniture .......................................................... $1500
Personal Computers and Printers ............$1500 ea.
Professional Consults for Day and Residential
programs ................................. $300/per consultation
Art on Wheels program .......................................... $2,000
Sensory Stimulation items .....................$500-$5,000
Therapeutic Recliners ....................................... $1,000 ea.
5 emergency eye/face wash stations
............................................................... $500 each = $2,500
Disposable CPR masks ........................................ $10 ea.
Electronic Medical Thermometers
............................................................................................. $275 ea.
5 Pulse Oximeters ...........................$500 ea. = $2,500
Med Cart ........................................................................... $1,400
Boardmaker Software .................................................. $329
SpringBoard Lite .......................................................... $2600
Say-It-Sam Communicator .................................... $3000
Adaptive Equipment so participants can utilize
computers ............................................................................ $700
Joy Sticks and Track Balls ............................... $200 ea.
1 4