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Home > Profiles > Profiling other AAC Users

Getting to Know Other AAC Users

Here are just a few of the other people who have their own web sites or are profiled on other sites on the Web. Take some time and get to know them and their many accomplishments.

Eva Sweeney: NEW!!

Eva Sweeney is a student at Occidental College in L.A. where she is majoring in Gender Studies. She has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and speaks with a laser pointer and letter board. She has become an advocate for other GLBTQ people with physical disabilities because there is so little information.

For more information about Eva:
Use Google Advanced Search and search for:

"Eva Sweeney"

 

 

Sara Pyszka:

Sara Pyszka smiling broadly while seated in her wheelchair with her DynaVoxSara Pyszka (pish-kah) is a 19-year old singer/composer from Pittsburgh, PA. She uses a DynaVox to communicate, compose and to sing. She has a web site at which you can:

  • Read her poetry
  • See video of recent performances
  • Learn about upcoming performances
  • Learn how her communication device works for composing

For more information on Sara:
Use Google Advanced Search and search for:

"Sara Pyszka"

Sara is a vibrant young woman whose music touches us all.

Tracy Rackensperger:

Tracy Rackensperger shown in a close-upTracy Rackensperger is a young woman who has been pursuing a role as an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Visit the following web sites to learn more about her:

  • Growing Up with AAC: Tracy wrote this article for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) about her experience with AAC over the years. She describes her journey through many different communication strategies, some employing high technology, some no technology at all.
  • Profile of Success: Tracy is profiled on the Prentke Romich web page. This profile describes her educational history as well as her recent advocacy efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.

Jesse Daikan McKinney:

Jesse McKinney using a headwand on his cap.Jesse Daikan McKinney is an author, columnist for Webb Weekly, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, champion wheelchair bodybuilder, husband and father. Visit these web sites to learn more about him:

  • The Omnibus: Jesse wrote A Mind on Wheels: The Inner Journey, a semi-autobiographical book with lessons for us all. Learn more about his life and his writings at this web site.
  • Profile of Success: Jesse is profiled on the Prentke Romich web page. This profile describes his colorful life including his recent recognition as a graphic artist.

For more information on Jesse:
Use Google Advanced Search with these phrases:

"Jesse Daikan McKinney" or
"Mind on Wheels"

India Ochs:

India Ochs smiling broadly for the cameraIndia is an Attorney at Law who has worked with Americorps since her graduation from Syracuse University College of Law.

 

  • Deaf Today article: Read about India's experience at Syracuse University law school and her subsequent admission to the Maryland Bar Association in 2002.
  • Words+ Profiles in Success: India's story is included on the Words+ web page.

 

Rusty Smith:

Rusty Smith shown in his wheelchair at the stadium at duskRusty is the ultimate sportsman. As a child and youth, he participated in baseball, bowling and swimming. Now as an adult, he works for the Seattle Seahawks. Read more about Rusty and his activities on this DynaVox web page:

  • Real Story: Rusty is profiled on this DynaVox web page. His enthusiasm for sports practically leaps out from this story.

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