California Update 16th January
Dear all,
Today we should get the internet connection in Graham's room at BVCC which will be excellent. Though he won't be able to do computing himself, others will be able to do things with/for him. He kindly purchased an ergonomic keyboard to set up with the laptop which will mean he can have the laptop in front of him on the table and I (and other helpers) can use the keyboard separately so he will be able to see the screen without someone reaching over him to use the keyboard.
The news so far is as follows:
We will be going to measure his new apartment tomorrow and see what modifications need to be made for him to get around it. We hope there will not be too much that needs to be done.
We have met with people who are going to be very helpful in getting the equipment he will need to be on the computer himself and eventually return to work. The laptop and voice software and roller ball mouse they are getting him are far more sophisticated (and expensive!) than we or Clio could afford so for now this lovely laptop is an interim solution. When the fancy equipment arrives they even provide him a trainer for several hour long sessions to get him up to speed using it. Then he will be able to bring his lap top to work to use there and also have it at home. /we are also awaiting a voice activated phone to come to him as the paperwork has been done now.
In the week I have been here so far I think a lot has been accomplished. Thanks go especially to Craig for his extra duties in taking me places to collect stuff (thanks to Herb for storing things we have collected) and helping to find the strong box, thanks to Marvin at the apartments spotting it under Graham's bed in the old place! Any worries Graham had about these things have now been allayed. Even the key to the strongbox has appeared! Thanks to Louise who was keeper of the keys and head honcho for the storage area. Graham now has all the cards and codes and keys for the storage area and when the time comes to empty the place out, I am sincerely hoping he will forego bringing his books to the new place. I have said how they will collect dust and that it would be difficult for him to be living in a dusty environment given his inability to sneeze, blow his nose, or clear his throat without some kind of help.
Yesterday we made it to church and it was a warm and lovely experience. everyone there is so kind and i know how important it is for Graham to get spiritual input. The people at the church are very kind to him and to me. I would like to say thank you again to everyone for your support these past few months in visiting Graham and helping him to keep his spirit up.
When he is in his own apartment I envision him rolling to church rather than having to depend on the easy lift van. however at this time it is helpful to him to be transported until he gets totally confident with his power chair.
In the cards I have been writing for him he often expresses his worries first but then ends on the positive note about how things are moving along for his life. We have much to be thankful for.
OK, enough of this for now. As soon as Graham has an email address we will give it out and you will be able to write directly to him!
Kind regards to you all,
Linda
Today we should get the internet connection in Graham's room at BVCC which will be excellent. Though he won't be able to do computing himself, others will be able to do things with/for him. He kindly purchased an ergonomic keyboard to set up with the laptop which will mean he can have the laptop in front of him on the table and I (and other helpers) can use the keyboard separately so he will be able to see the screen without someone reaching over him to use the keyboard.
The news so far is as follows:
We will be going to measure his new apartment tomorrow and see what modifications need to be made for him to get around it. We hope there will not be too much that needs to be done.
We have met with people who are going to be very helpful in getting the equipment he will need to be on the computer himself and eventually return to work. The laptop and voice software and roller ball mouse they are getting him are far more sophisticated (and expensive!) than we or Clio could afford so for now this lovely laptop is an interim solution. When the fancy equipment arrives they even provide him a trainer for several hour long sessions to get him up to speed using it. Then he will be able to bring his lap top to work to use there and also have it at home. /we are also awaiting a voice activated phone to come to him as the paperwork has been done now.
In the week I have been here so far I think a lot has been accomplished. Thanks go especially to Craig for his extra duties in taking me places to collect stuff (thanks to Herb for storing things we have collected) and helping to find the strong box, thanks to Marvin at the apartments spotting it under Graham's bed in the old place! Any worries Graham had about these things have now been allayed. Even the key to the strongbox has appeared! Thanks to Louise who was keeper of the keys and head honcho for the storage area. Graham now has all the cards and codes and keys for the storage area and when the time comes to empty the place out, I am sincerely hoping he will forego bringing his books to the new place. I have said how they will collect dust and that it would be difficult for him to be living in a dusty environment given his inability to sneeze, blow his nose, or clear his throat without some kind of help.
Yesterday we made it to church and it was a warm and lovely experience. everyone there is so kind and i know how important it is for Graham to get spiritual input. The people at the church are very kind to him and to me. I would like to say thank you again to everyone for your support these past few months in visiting Graham and helping him to keep his spirit up.
When he is in his own apartment I envision him rolling to church rather than having to depend on the easy lift van. however at this time it is helpful to him to be transported until he gets totally confident with his power chair.
In the cards I have been writing for him he often expresses his worries first but then ends on the positive note about how things are moving along for his life. We have much to be thankful for.
OK, enough of this for now. As soon as Graham has an email address we will give it out and you will be able to write directly to him!
Kind regards to you all,
Linda
posted by Cosmic Sunshine at 2:49 AM
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