The Disability The Biography The Device Bill Porter

There Are No Obstacles: A Brief look into the Life of Bill Porter Characterized as “unemployable” Bill Porter who became a salesman for Watkins Products. He went on to become the company’s top door to door salesman as a result of the drive he had for sales and up against his cerebral palsy with a speech impediment. Bill Porter may not be a celebrity in the sense of Hollywood but he is someone to talk about, and someone in whom 20/20 and author Shelly Brady felt compelled to tell the world his story. HOMEHOME

Celebral Palsy, a lack of muscle coordination, an aching back, a speech impediment enough to make anyone quit but Bill did not see himself as having any obstacles or inabilities—which I believe contributed to his success. His perspective of himself contradicted what everyone defined or saw him as. Born in California on September 9, 1932, he wasn't allowed to dwell on his disability, which left his right side twisted and his speech slurred. Porter became known in 1995 when an Oregon newspaper wrote a series of feature articles about him. His mother was very inspirational in his life giving him the confidence he needed, which was to know he can be anything he wanted. Home

Living With Cerebral Palsy The "world" told me I could never earn an income, my mother told me I could, and my father told me I must! Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders involving movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking that occur due to problems with brain development. Estimated that 500,000 Americans are affected Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy manifest between age 1-3 The three major types of cerebral palsy are spastic, ataxic and athetotic. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form among children as evidenced by stiff muscles and difficulty in movement. Both legs, one side of the body or all four limbs and the trunk can be affected. Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common as evidenced by lack of balance and coordination. Athetotic cerebral palsy is also known as extrapyramidal CP as evidenced by uncontrolled slow movements since it affects the whole body. Home

The life expectancy of cerebral palsy children correlates to the severity of their brain injury and disabilities. Children with more severe brain injury and therefore less mobility and function, typically live shorter lives. One study estimates that approximately half of those with severe cerebral palsy will live to be 20. Home Treatment There is no cure for cerebral palsy. The goal of treatment is to help the person be as independent as possible. Treatment requires a team approach, including: A primary care doctor A social worker Nurses Occupational, physical, and speech therapists Other specialists Treatment is based on the person's symptoms and the need to prevent complications. Self and home care include: Getting enough food and nutrition Keeping the home safe Performing exercises recommended by the health care providers Practicing proper bowel care (stool softeners, fluids, fiber, laxatives, regular bowel habits) Protecting the joints from injury Putting the child in regular schools is recommended, unless physical disabilities or mental development makes this impossible. Special education or schooling may help. Living with Cerebral Palsy con’t

The Device In my research it was very hard to find the assistive device Porter used for his speech impediment. However I have found a useful assistive devices that individuals may use for speech impediment. Talking Keyboard Speech System NO PC REQUIRED! Portable speech communications aid works without a PC. Creates a voice that instantly talks as you type. Works on speaker and telephone lines. TextSpeak™ TS text-to-speech keyboard series converts text to a natural sounding voice while you type Home