Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Category: General

How did you first become interested in the world of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology?

I stumbled upon this career in 1992 when I enrolled as a biomedical engineering graduate student at Louisiana Tech.  The program was offering an elective called “Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering” and I decided to take it out of curiosity. By the end of the very first class, I realized that a career existed where I could use my engineering skills, creativity, and passion for working with people to make a significant difference in their lives.  That’s how I found my calling.  

What drives your passion for AT?
Often, AT practitioners are the ones who plug in the gaps that help people with disabilities overcome barriers in their homes and communities, at school, work, and in recreational settings, thus helping them achieve a level of independence.  The impact of our jobs extends beyond the individuals we help because independence for the person often translates to independence for families and caregivers too. 

Seeing the faces of people we impact light up when they recognize the possibilities that now exist for them, the expression of gratitude in the eyes of the parents of children and young adults when they realize that their wards can possibly pursue their dreams, and the sense of self-satisfaction that comes with being able to help someone are some of the factors that continually stoke the flames of passion within me for my chosen field.

What is the proudest accomplishment you've achieved during your career in AT?
While there is no singular moment that I can claim as my proudest accomplishment, there are instances at different points in my career when I look back with a sense of pride. 

One memory is being recognized for my distinguished service in the field of assistive technology by RESNA.  Another memorable opportunity that came my way was when I was asked to serve as a panelist at the 2011 Rehabilitation Engineering Summit to discuss the state of the profession.  Recently, I met a young rehabilitation engineer who reminded me that she was introduced to me by her professor, a RESNA Fellow, seven years ago at a RESNA conference and that I helped her find a job that she is still at and thoroughly enjoys.  The conversation brought back memories of additional interactions I had with students attending RESNA conferences over the years who sought my advice.  Many of them are successful, and one of them has gone on to become a pillar of RESNA as a volunteer leader. 

What advice would you give to anyone trying to get more involved in RESNA?
I attribute my upward mobility as a professional and growth as a leader to my involvement with RESNA.  Participating in volunteer leadership roles within the organization by serving on various committees such as Special Interest Groups and conference committees, presenting at conferences, contributing to position papers, and eventually serving two terms on the RESNA board have led me to be recognized as an AT Subject Matter Expert nationally.  This led to additional opportunities to work with other disability-related professional and trade organizations including serving on another board, serving on a committee to develop best practices in driver rehabilitation, and being consulted by several state agencies that were reviewing policies. 

It is important to note that when I first started my involvement with RESNA, I was supported by mentors who guided me throughout the journey.   People were willing to hold my hand when I needed it and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and discover my abilities for myself.   They instilled a sense of confidence in me that allowed me to take on new challenges while ensuring that they always were there for me.   

Therefore, my advice to anyone wanting to get involved with RESNA is to take a leap of faith and plunge yourself headfirst into seeking volunteer roles within the organization.  You will find yourself rubbing shoulders with industry stalwarts who will go on to be your best friends and lifelong mentors.   

What excites you most about the future of assistive technology?
I am excited by the potential of integrating AI into assistive technology.  I am also excited about the advances made in self-driving vehicle technologies as this may lead to a level of independence and freedom for people with disabilities that are long overdue. 

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Did you and your organization do any special activities this month?
I work for a state vocational rehabilitation program that assists people with disabilities to obtain, retain, and regain employment.  Some of the initiatives that we were involved in this year include engaging in dialogue with the independent living centers across the state to promote the consideration of employment by their consumers, outreach to employers by participating in job fairs and sponsoring a day at the state fair by coordinating pre-employment services including job exploration in the agricultural sector for over 2,000 high school students with disabilities. 

Anything else you would like to share?
I have benefited from the time and knowledge that veterans of our industry have extended to me over the years.  I believe that the way to thank them for their contributions to my career and life is to pay it forward.