A Cell Phone Provides the Independence that a Wheelchair Cannot 

By, Hillary Rossi

Cell phones as adaptive technology?  Ask David Scott Palm.  Born with Cerebral Palsy which impacts both mobility and speech, Scott is a sophisticated and experienced user of adaptive technologies and a prominent figure in Washington’s augmentative communication community.  Among other things, Scott uses a power wheelchair, a Pathfinder Communication device for speech and an environmental control system that enables him to independently turn on and off his lighting, fan, heat, air conditioning, radio and TV in his Everett home which he shares with his two cats.

Scott, has an AA degree in Business from Shoreline Community College, is an ambassador for a manufacturer of speech devices and a frequent guest lecturer.

Scott needed a way to communicate more effectively with friends, family and attendants when he was out in the community.  If his wheelchair broke down, he needed to be able to immediately contact someone who could get him where he needed to go.  If one of the three Access vans that he takes to get to Seattle didn’t arrive, Scott needed to be able to make new transportation arrangements “on the go.”

Scott’s solution?  A voice activated cell phone that works in collaboration with his Pathfinder communication device.  Scott uses the Pathfinder to select and dial phone calls and to then make any necessary arrangements.

After doing his research, Scott discovered that a voice-activated cell phone and two years of service would cost more than $500 – a hefty sum for a person living on a fixed income.  Scott went first to the credit union where he has his bank account.   The credit union agreed to give him a loan but, because he had no credit history, they charged him more than 11%.

Then Scott learned about the Washington Assistive Technology Foundation. He immediately applied and was approved for a two year loan – at 4%.    Scott thinks that there are a lot of other people out there would benefit from having access to cell phone technology when out in the community and would recommend WATF to his friends and colleagues.

What’s next for Scott?  He is currently working on his new business making speaking appearances and giving augmentative communication trainings around the Puget Sound.