by Russ Austin

Created on: May 07, 2010

In the 21st Century, it's obvious how much technology is all around us and what an impact it has on all of our lives.  But, how does that technology effect wheelchair-users?  In April 1997, I was involved in an e-mail question and answer session with "Life on Wheels" author, Gary Karp, when he was doing research for the book.  Obviously, things have changed over the years, in more ways than one!

I was 25 when I talked to Gary Karp and I had been using a wheelchair part-time due to Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), the neuro-muscular disorder that I have, since February 1996.   I've now been in a chair full-time since February 1998.

Below the dotted line are 6 answers to 6 questions from my session with Gary.  A lot has changed over the years, but a lot hasn't...

I'll comment further at the end of this piece.
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1. In what ways has technology enhanced your independence as a person with a disability?

Certain Modern technologies have been very beneficial to me. For example, the computer has been the impetus for some of the best things I feel I`ve ever done. I'm in a wheelchair (part-time), my hand-eye coordination is very poor, my balance is very poor, and so on.  But yet, the computer allows me to function as a productive member of society (for the most part).

I`m not a computer expert by any stretch but at the same time, I can do a lot of things that other people can`t.  A computer doesn`t know that you`re disabled, but it does increase your ability to dis others. [I hope you caught that :) ]

2. What specific technologies have made a difference in your life? 

(see Q. 1)

3. How was your technology paid for, and what was the process like of gaining coverage/support for the specification and purchase?

My wheelchair was paid for by my parents, because Medicaid won`t cover s*!  Medicaid is the only Insurance I have, because SSI is the only income that I have. 

The computer that I use all the time isn`t actually mine. My Mom bought it for her Real Estate business, but I`ve turned out to be the primary user. 

The process of getting coverage or support is generally a difficult task. I`m sure most people with disabilities will tell you that getting Insurance coverage is very often a reality nightmare. As for support, you're lucky to even get any at all.

4. How has the Internet and World Wide Web affected your life?

The Internet and the World Wide Web have enhanced my life a great deal. I`m an amateur writer

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