Hey everyone, This is Omar Covarrubias J. A brand-new ambassador for PRC-Saltillo.
I was born in 2007, in Miami, Florida, into a family with Mexican heritage. As the youngest of four brothers, my life has been marked by resilience and perseverance from the very beginning.
Since birth, I have faced significant challenges, being unable to talk and walk. Despite these obstacles, I have embraced adversity as a catalyst for personal growth. Transitioning from private to public schooling taught me valuable lessons in adaptability and resilience.
Although I don't personally don’t enjoy school, I have learned how to overcome myself thanks to my bad experiences in the pass. I find my way out through watching motivational videos and podcasts. I literally believe in the power of technology, especially my communication device, which allows me to share my story and connect with others.
Throughout my communication device journey, I actively participated in decision-making and ensured my needs were met. In kindergarten and first grade, I used an outdated device from Forbes AAC with GridPlayer 2, which included Partner Assisted Scanning. Despite the challenges, I learned a lot from these experiences.
In first grade, we sought a new device to help me use language effectively and learn to read and write. We chose the PRC Accent 1400, and I quickly adapted to using single switch scanning and group scanning, which sped up my communication. We also added a head tracker, which I used to improve my head control through games. By 4th or 5th grade, I could toggle between scanning and head tracking.
I started programming my devices with my own custom messages in 2nd grade, impressing everyone with my quick learning skills, like I always do. This was achieved thanks to, Daniel Dardiz from PRC, who helped us get the Accent 1400, was amazed at my abilities. In 6th grade, I switched to an Accent 1000 for better manageability and tethered it to my laptop for more control. I also used an iPad which I run with a button using Gliding Cursor, built in by apple. Unexpectedly, I became a pro at it and in fact now I use it to do a million things on my phone daily.
We faced challenges with device mounts due to my mobility in my wheelchair, and sometimes helpers were not as effective as needed.
My whole communication journey was achieved thanks to Tina McAlpin, Local Assistive Technology Specialist, (LATS). Who I highly appreciate for her support and friendship towards me and my communication journey. In fact, she introduced me to this, PRC-Saltillo ambassador program and just as to many other wonderful people … Unfortunately, she retired this year, (2024) but she definitely has left me in good hands.
My journey has taught me that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. Middle school, which I describe as my toughest experience, provided profound life lessons on resilience and determination.
Looking forward, I am passionate about impacting lives by sharing my journey of overcoming adversity. I firmly believe in the power of determination, encapsulated in my personal motto: "Todo en esta vida se puede, nomás échale ganas y no te rajes" (Everything in life is possible, just give it your all and don't give up).
While my goal is to positively impact people with disabilities by showing them that there are always ways to communicate. I am determined to work hard at a higher level and leave a positive mark with determination and respect for others. I am confident I’ll make it happen.
Thanks and regards
