I am very Luvin, funny, out going, an Luv meeting people. I like Traveling to new places. Like movies, enjoy others cooking, an poems. I am a handsome quadriplegic on wheels, Just check me out in my chair be sure to bring a spare. My name is JC and I'm a been Volunteer and Instructor at Kern Assistive Technology Center. I also been volunteer work at an Independent Living Center.About seven years ago due to an unfortunate life-changing event; I came out of the rehab hospital facing life from a wheelchair. All, I can think about is what can I do to make life a little better for others as well as myself. Jim Alford came to see me at the rehab hospital and he work for the Independent Living Center. I started volunteering at the Independent Living Center. I Met David Mensch through the Independent Living Center. I did not know a lot about Assistive Technology. I could not understand him, and this is when I first seen Assistive Technology was being used. When, he was talking to me I noticed a really shiny Dot on his forehead. I thought he was Hindu, I was wrong, and I also notice that the computer would be doing things, that when I notice that the keyboard and mouse was not being used. He described, a demonstrated Assistive Technology to me; A Headmouse that uses an infrared. This allowed him to communicate with the computer and do multiple tasks. David told me about a great learning opportunity about the Assistive Technology Certificate Course Program. I took the course and I have learned so much about different type of Assistive Technologies and Services. Assistive Technology has provided me with everyday independence. I'm surrounded by Assistive Technologies. I have used different Assistive Technologies for transportation, mobility, school, and work. I completed the Assistive Technology Certificate Course. I have learned how to do Assessments, and consult with Specialists, and help others like myself to inquire about Assistive Technologies. I would like to take the time now to thank the Independent living Center staff and volunteers, and KATC staff and volunteers, and numerous other people and other organizations that have help me acquire the skills necessary to use assistive technology to help improve day-to-day life.

Support Us "Kern Assistive Technology Center is a 501 c-3 non-profit organizations. We are constantly looking for partners in the community and else ware to support our mission. Your financial support is needed and appreciated. All proceeds raised will go towards advancing the mission and vision of KATC. For more information on supporting the Center, contact Aaron Markovits."If you wish you may mail your support directly to KATC at 3101 N. Sillect Ave. Ste. 115, Bakersfield, Ca, 93308."For more Info, call Aaron Markovits, Director [email protected]: (661) 861-1336Tdd: (661) 861-8839fax: (661) 328-9940Email: [email protected]: 8am to 5 pm (Mon. – Fri.)David Mensch, Program [email protected] Manchanda, Assistive Technology [email protected](800) 973-4839 VideophoneKATC is a Community Assistive Technology Exchange (CATE) Loan Program participant. This statewide program allows people with disabilities access to AT to borrow in their community. Clients can access a number of different types of devices by typing in their zip code and finding out if the device they want to borrow is available at a local participating CATE Community Based Organization.The CATE ProgramOne thing that made this event special was the participation by users of Assistive Technology in every aspect of the event from planning and "performing the skit" to selling tickets and recruiting sponsors/donors, people who use Assistive Technology were participants along side other community members to make this event happen. This was a great opportunity for users of AT to demonstrate the skills and abilities they have to contribute to the community.One user participated by being the DJ for the event. He is in a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy. He uses a head mouse and software on his computer to play the music since he isn't able to us his hands. The head mouse is an infra red tracker that allows it's user to access the computer by moving a part of their body around which controls the mouse and cursor. The DJ places the head mouse on his forehead to operate the mouse for him. We thank American General Media for their support and participation in the event as well.Kern Assistive Technology Center is grateful to our many user participants we serve who support the Center as well as local businesses and member agencies who all contributed to the success of the event. It is with humble thanks that we extend our appreciation to the community for its support...KATC provides information and referral, a loan library, computer training, computer lab, assessment, and training to people with disabilitities and those who support them in the quest to be as independent as possible in every aspect of life. Anyone of any age with any disability is eligible for services. We thank our Member Agencies, Foundations who provide grants, and private supporters for entrusting us with the ability to administer this program. For more information you may call, 1-661-861-1346