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DisPatches, June 1999

MS, a PC & Me

Gaye Brown has been a long-time student in the Adaptive Physical Education Program at College of Marin.

It's been several years since I've been able to hold a pen and write, or hold a book and turn the page. I was overjoyed when my friend Bobby Bradford, longtime staff member of the Adaptive PE program and editor of "DisPatches," uploaded the newsletter of Disabled Students Programs and Services onto the College of Marin web site. Thanks to my PC, I was able to enjoy all the articles written by the staff members and students.

My computer has become an integral part of my life. In the past several years, chronic multiple sclerosis has reduced the range of motion I have in my arms down to the use of one finger, and that's all I need to push and click a mouse.

Because I'm still fortunate enough to have a strong speaking voice, I was able to get the latest software for voice recognition. I no longer have to use the keyboard, which was becoming more difficult to use. Voice recognition has opened up a whole new avenue for me to communicate with my friends, relatives, and E-mail pen pals. The technology allows me to create messages, and when I make a mistake I can correct the errors that I make by voice or by the click of the mouse.

I am speaking into my microphone right now, and watching, in sheer amazement, the letters of the words that I say appear on my screen.

One of the functions that I enjoy the most after creating a document is my computer's read-back function. A little robotic voice proofreads what I've dictated.

Having my computer, and being a student of the Adaptive PE program (which has the most incredible staff), I can truly say life is good!

College of Marin is one of 112 public community colleges in California and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Approximately 10,000 credit and noncredit students enroll each fall and spring semester. Classes also are offered during the summer.

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For any member of the community seeking accommodations for the disabled, please contact (415) 485-9340. College of Marin students seeking academic adjustments should contact (415) 485-9406.