Alex’s Summer Time with His New Neighbor

I met a new friend who is coming to live near my house this summer. Her name is Michelle, and she is going to be working with me all year round. I am working on the things she can help me learn how to be improved and prepare for the rest of my life. I will have an exciting life with my new friend, so we are both going to do a lot of things that will keep me and my family busy! I hope my new friend can be able to help me with therapy, computer stuff, fun activities, and other things I can do in order to enjoy my best year with her and my family! I am going to be in charge of managing on special events and making sure we have money and stuff to make things work

Alex's Sevententh Birthday

For my 17^th birthday this year, I’m going to visit my grandfather in Boston. My dad is bringing me up there for my birthday present at the end of March. I’m visiting my aunts, uncles, and cousins while I’m there with my dad, but the rest of my family are staying home. My grandfather lives in Plymouth, MA, and we’re going to fly there, but I’ve never been on an airplane before. Me, my dad, and  my grandfather are planning a party and doing fun things together. When my dad and I got home from our trip, we’re going out to dinner with the whole family.

Wheelchair Access for Teenagers

There are many places that aren’t accessible for what teenagers in wheelchairs enjoy. It is a good idea to make more accommodations for some places that don’t have much accessibility.  In order to make inaccessible places better, people should put wheelchair lifts, ramps, and other modifications for teenagers who love to enjoy fun events. Most people like to play outside and spend time with their families and friends, so it is important to improve places that are not considered with wheelchair accessibility, with no elevators or ramps. Making places accessible would help disabled teenagers enjoy the events they really like to do in their lives. Here are some pictures of equipment that allow wheelchairs to access places that have stairs.

Introduction

Hi,
My name is Alex Fitzgerald. 

I am in a wheelchair and I have a cochlear implant. I live in a farm with a long driveway and grounds that are bumpy and inaccessible for my wheelchair. My parents take care of me and make sure everything goes well with me. 

I have a sister named Allison and a brother named Ryan, who are lovely fabulous with each other. I have a lab dog named Lucy, and four cats named Betty, Star, Lily and Claire. I have fun with my family and friends, but there are some people who don’t understand me. A lot of people love me since I am a special person, so I like spending time with my friends and special aids in school. 

My favorite sport is basketball because I like making baskets, and I also like football.

My favorite food is pizza, and blue is my favorite color. I work very hard in school and I’m good at math and art. I have fun at drama club and GEO club with my friends!

When I became a teenager, I got a problem with my arm and hand strength, so I am not able to lift or use my arms or hands on anything. For example, being more disabled is like having a nerve disease or problem. I’m not able to play sports, do jobs or eat food or anything with my hands because of muscle weakness. People could assist me with anything I need, such as support, transfer, and other accommodations. I use both a power chair and a regular chair using my feet at school. I use my nose to type and draw on ipads instead of my hands. When I went to NIH in April 2013, the doctors didn’t know what is wrong with me yet. Also, when I got taller, it is unsafe for people to transfer me on stairs so I must use elevators, ramps, and lifts with my wheelchair at every place with steps. In August 2013, I asked my parents to get me an elevator put in our house, but it’s too expensive for them to do that. Instead the chair lift was installed in October. I like it and it makes my life easier.