Sharing Stories
At the Northeast Regional Autism Conference, Tracy Thresher, from Barre, VT participated via facilitated communication in a panel chaired by Herb Lovett. Following are Tracy's comments about his participation on the panel.
HARVEY (Tracy's facilitator): Alan asked that you write about the autism conference that we attended for his newsletter. Is there anything about that experience that you would like to say?
TRACY: I thought that it was well done and was happy that I was asked to speak. The keynote was very well done. Herb is a good spokesperson for the rights of individuals with autism. What really struck me was the information about proprioception that really hit home for me that is a large part of MY problem with controlling my movement. I try to control what my body is doing but it really is hard most of the time to get it under my control. That is the most difficult thing for me to overcome. I want to also say that I thought that you did a good job of including me in the discussion we participated in. I felt that people asked good questions and that I was given the chance to answer.
HARVEY: Should I see what is on the laptop before sending this to Alan?
TRACY: Would you tell Alan to explain what Proprioceptive problems are and why they interfere with movement?
HARVEY: OK, Is that it?
TRACY: Yes.
The purpose of Facilitated Communication In Maine is to promote the appropriate use of facilitated communication through education, technical assistance, and support to people with disabilities, parents, educators, speech and language pathologists support providers, and other interested individuals. The project provides up-to-date information on current best practices, introductory and advanced workshops on the technique, resources regarding theoretical and practical components of facilitated communication and ongoing support to a network of resource persons who provide local education and support to other facilitators.
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