I use an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to help me communicate with family, friends, and handle my work tasks.
I honored to be the Vice Chair of the organization, CommunicationFIRST.
For nearly four years, I have been an instrumental member of a clinical trial team at the University of California, San Francisco. The clinical trial aims to help paralyzed people control a robotic arm and give voices to people who lost the ability to speak or have never spoken before.
Elected to Serve!
In November 2021, I proudly became a board member of CommunicationFIRST, a nonprofit devoted to advocating for the rights of individuals with speech-related disabilities. My involvement in this organization enables me to contribute towards amplifying their voices and ensuring their rights are upheld. Additionally, I was interviewed by the organization’s ED/LD and policy director, about my life becoming disabled.
Blogpost
Erika Prado and I collaborated to write a blog post for the organization, CommunicationFIRST, website, focusing on Hispanic Heritage Month. This blog is available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Our blog post dives into the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Hispanic community and emphasizing its importance. You can read it here: English and Spanish.
Webinar
On October 19, 2022, I was part of a webinar with scientists from the University of San Francisco, where we talked about an advanced medical study. We discussed what this study's technology means, its potential benefits, and who can gain from it. I shared my personal experience as a participant, and the scientists explained the technology in detail. The webinar helped people understand how this new approach could improve the lives of many individuals and bring positive changes in the future.
Vice chair
n April 2023, I attained the position of Vice Chair in the organization, a promotion that I consider myself extremely fortunate to have received. It provides me with a valuable opportunity to actively contribute to the noble mission of the nonprofit.
Empowering Journeys: Milestones, Celebrations, Challenges
It was the year 2021, and new and exciting things unfolded since then. Both Speech Decoding and Robotics teams exhibited exceptional and highly successful work. July emerged as a pivotal month, as the speech researchers geared up to unveil their findings in a...
My first power wheelchair | Part 2
On the first day, I was officially approved to go out on my own. I remember I went to the Farmers Market. There’s a little farmer’s market in downtown Sonoma, every Tuesday afternoon, from May to September. So I went over there to have a nice and fun time, and for me,...
My first power wheelchair
I always wished to have a power wheelchair since I was in Healdsburg Hospital. I was lying down, and my bed was by the window. I was able to see the road where the building entrance was, and the parking lot, next to it. Suddenly, I saw someone, an elderly person,...