My name is Liam Mangual and I will be a sophomore at West Valley College in August, 2019. I was born in Shanghai, China, but adopted by non-Chinese parents at 13 months old. My mother is Irish-German, my father is Puerto Rican and I am Chinese. Fortunately, my parents understood how important it was for me to learn the Chinese language and culture, so that I could grow up feeling proud of who I was and where I came from. I started learning how to read characters and speak Mandarin in pre-school, and then attended the Cupertino Mandarin Immersion Program from kindergarten through 8th grade. I went to Chinese after-school and summer programs, celebrated Chinese holidays, learned Shaolin Kung Fu and participated in Chinese cultural events. My parents enriched my life with experiences that taught me more about myself and gave me confidence in my Chinese identity.

Since I was a child, I have had to deal with knowing that I am different from everyone else, not just because I am adopted, but because I have ADHD. I could never sit still, focus on school or complete homework, and getting along with others was not easy. Fortunately, my parents got me help and I started on medication that allowed me to focus better, but not without a price.

For me, having ADHD is like being an actor changing roles. When I am not on medication, I generally feel creative, happy and energetic, but my focus is limited to things I’m really passionate about. When I take my ADHD medicine, it’s like I put on a mask that hides who I really am. The medication helps me manage life’s more routine tasks and improve my focus, but at the cost of being quiet and introverted. As a result, people who see me as “shut down” at school are surprised when they meet the friendly and engaging barista at Starbucks, who is also me. Despite the stark differences in my persona, I have been able to blend the best aspects of my condition in a way that has allowed me to succeed in school, make good friends, and develop positive goals.

Speaking of goals, I have set my sights high both educationally and career wise. Being awarded a RehabMart scholarship would allow me to continue my college education and help me achieve my goals of completing a bachelor’s degree in business/accounting, followed by a master’s degree in business management and information systems, and then, going on to start my own business. Reaching these lofty goals will take time, effort, a lot of hard work, commitment, and money. I’m willing to do my part, studying hard and working part-time while I go to school, but RehabMart scholarship funds would help give me the financial support needed to pursue my dreams!

Essay: Interactive Learning Technology Built on a Gaming Platform

Based on my recent experience, I believe that the assistive devices, technology and therapies that allow people with neurological and physiological conditions to communicate have made, and continue to make a huge difference in the lives of disabled individuals, and all of us who benefit from their ability to share. Let me explain . . .

Last month I got the flu, followed by 3 weeks of laryngitis. The flu wasn’t fun, but the laryngitis was miserable. I couldn’t talk, at all, to anybody! Literally, my doctor wrote a note for me to take to work and school indicating that I was not to be talking from March 12 through April 1. She said it was the only way that my throat would heal.

Having laryngitis for the first time was a frustrating experience, but definitely an eye opener! It made me think about scientist Stephen Hawking and how difficult it would be to have a medical condition that limits or prevents someone from being able to communicate. Most of us communicate with other people all the time . . . when we need something; when we want something; when we have something to say; when we want to share an idea or an opinion or a concern; and, when we just want to connect. When you can’t use your voice, that simple and direct form of communication that most of us take for granted, it is both frustrating and isolating.

For me, the frustration of not being able to talk while recuperating from laryngitis was relieved by my Moto G6. Like most young adults, a large majority of my communication happens through a screen. I email and text people all the time, for school, for work and within my family, so having a cell phone and laptop with me was a lifesaver. The experience really allowed me to appreciate the importance of assistive devices and technology as a means of communication for disabled individuals.

I reflected on Stephen Hawking, whose work on black holes was fascinating to me. Professor Hawking was disabled for most of his life. I wondered what it must be like to have an active, thinking mind and no easy way to express your thoughts and ideas. What would it be like to want to talk, to share, and to connect, but no way to reach others? Until I had a bout of laryngitis, I never thought about it.

Fortunately for Stephen Hawking, with the support of family, friends and sophisticated technology, he was able to have a meaningful personal and professional life. With his motorized wheelchair and computerized voice system, Stephen Hawking was a husband, a father, a teacher, an author and a scientist who made significant contributions to the world. The assistive devices and technology that Stephen Hawking used enabled him to reach out and share himself with others, and to communicate and connect with the world around him.

I also thought about Michael Smith, the son of my mom’s coworker. Michael is my age, but he is autistic. He cannot communicate verbally, except in grunts and other noises. Michael paces around, gripping an iPad that allows him to exist in his surroundings and to connect with his family, teachers and caretakers. With the help of occupational therapy and computer technology, Michael has learned to communicate his basic needs and wants. He is far less isolated than he would be without the assistive technologies. He can connect and engage with people in a way that his medical condition otherwise would not allow. Although he still has many challenges and limitations, the assistive devices, technology and therapy that Michael has access to allow him to communicate, to be a little less disabled and a little more enabled.

For me, having the flu with laryngitis was no picnic. It was a frustrating and humbling experience, but, it gave me a new perspective on the importance of communication, and it allowed me to think differently about my abilities, and the abilities and challenges of others. I am grateful to have my voice back and to be able to communicate easily and directly with others. I am also glad to know that there are assistive devices, technology and therapies available that enable individuals with neurological and physiological conditions to communicate and connect with family, friends and the world around them.