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.