Finding a Voice Through Technology

As a person with a voice, it's hard to imagine not being able to express yourself. But just for a moment, try to think of living without one, and how the world would just pass right around you.

Adil Sanai, day program participant at AHRC NYC's Joseph Weingold Center, is featured in this video. Adil received his handheld ChatPC this year, and has already figured out how to customize it. Recently, Adil interviewed for a job using only his ChatPC. He now works in retail. As a person who was dependent on others to interpret his thoughts, this technology has changed Adil's and so many other individual's lives.

[Adeo Sini is using a communication device

to talk throughout this video.]

Hello. My name is Adeo Sini.

I was born in a village

in Okara City, Pakistan.

I go to a Queens HHRC worksite

two days a week.

I leave the house at 7:45.

I walk to work at the department store

close to my house.

I've been working at the store

for two months.

My job is to make sure

clothes are in the correct area

and neatly arranged when

customers come to shop.

My communication device

helps me talk to my coworkers and

ask questions.

These clothes are in the wrong section.

[coworker] Oh, in the wrong section,

okay.

[coworker] So let's get them out of the wrong section.

[AS] Where should I leave the clothes

that are to be put back on

the floor?

[coworker] Now you'll have to put

them on the rack.

You can put them.

[AS] I use my devise to ask my job coach about my schedule.

What is the next day that I work?

[job coach] The next day that you work

is on the schedule. Look by the name

and it looks like you're working Thursday, 8 to 12.

[AS] Most importantly ask for my

pay check.

I have been using my communication

device for about a year.

I have learned how to program

in words and phrases on my own.

In fact, I have talk to my HHC vocational

supervisor right now.

[supervisor] Hi Adeo.

[AS] What goes in the section.

[supervisor] Oh, the job you are doing

today is one -you remember- two one.

[AS] One two two one.

okay.

[AS in own voice] Thank you.

[supervisor] You're welcome.

[AS] I like coming to HHC and going

to work.

My communication device helps

me a lot everywhere I go.

I am able to do this with

the aid of my communication device.

My family and I remain

deeply rooted in tradition

and have found a community

that brings that connects

me to home.

My plan is to go to Mecca and from there

I can go anywhere.

The ambition of a working man.