Kirk Garrett, Jr.

I am Kirk, Jr. and I live at home with my parents. I am 41 years old and I have Cerebral Palsy (CP), which is difficulty in controlling and coordinating movement. My Cerebral Palsy (CP) was caused at birth due to a delay in delivery when I was deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time.

Because of my physical challenges, I cannot walk and use a power wheelchair. A power wheelchair has been required for my independence and mobility in life ever since I was 10 years old.

I cannot eat or drink independently, so I have to be fed and given my drink.

I am also nonverbal. All through life I have used gestures, hand signals, body language such as head nods, eye contact, and spelling to convey my messages to others.

Many people assume if someone is physically disabled they are mentally challenged as well; however, this is a huge mistake. I am sharp as a tack; I also can hear and understand everything you say to me. Many disabled people live fairly normal lives. I have not let my disability hold me back in any way.

I have been given the chance to prove myself and my abilities. That is what is so important for people like me. We “disabled people” get looked upon as being different and unable to do things like those that are not disabled. We also expect to have the same opportunities as others even though we may sometimes just need a little assistance with certain things. Without the support of my whole family, friends, and all of the assistive tech devices and equipment that I have had all through my life I have no idea where I would be today or what I would be doing today. I am sure that assistive tech devices and equipment will continue to be a huge part of my life as I venture into the future and unknown territory.