MEET OUR CLIENTS / Our Ambassadors / Clay

Clay

My name is Clay, but my friends call me Bonez. I have lived in Burlingame, California all my life. Most of my elementary education was at The Bridge School where I was introduced to using Augmentative and Alternative methods of Communication (AAC). Over the years I have tried every type of AAC access known to humans. Thank goodness eye gaze systems were finally developed. Today, I primarily use eye gaze to communicate with my Accent 1400.

Because of the flexible, yet stable design, of my ASL head array system I am able to maintain good positioning for communicating by eye gaze as well as easily switching to driving my chair. It has the advantage of being customized for my own needs.

To tell you a little more about myself, my family has developed an independent community-based program out of my home. One of my favorite volunteer activities is a coffee delivery service that I have. Using my AAC device I receive orders from my client’s workplace then I’m off to a local coffee spot to fill the orders. Along with my attendant I then deliver the drinks and pastries. Everyone looks forward to my coffee delivery days and so do I, especially because I usually get a mocha too!

For many years I attended a Conversation Club at San Francisco State University. This is a course that brings together AAC users and those students studying the profession of Speech and Language Pathology. I am also a founding member of a group called Bridging Communities Through Alternative Communication. Our goal is to advocate and spread awareness of individuals who use AAC. You can find our more information about the group here: https://www.bridgeschool.org/outreach/bctac/

If you know me, you know that I have a wicked sense of humor. In my free time I enjoy adaptive bowling (no bumper guards for me), going to SF Giants games, adaptive surfing, going to concerts and to the movies. Whether with friends or family you’ll find me on the go.