kathrin lemler

My name is Kathrin Lemler. I’m 21 years old and I have Cerebral Palsy.

I’ve used many different communication systems, starting with low tech-systems like symbol or alphabet charts which were followed by different computers. For years I used three switches in the headrest of my wheelchair and one knee-switch. After longer working periods I was exhausted, my neck ached and I had a very high body tension.

In spring 2005 I got the chance to try several different eye control systems. MyTobii was the only system that would tolerate my head movement and worked from the first moment on. It was magic! My initial feeling was that I couldn’t believe it! I was writing with my eyes! It was an indescribable feeling. I sat in front of the computer, looking at the screen, letter after letter appeared and words evolved.

 From the moment I got a MyTobii my communication has run much more smoothly. It starts in the morning. I’m able to chat with my cab driver who takes me to school. We talk about unimportant things like the weather.

In school I can write long texts without having sore muscles afterwards. Because of the speed I can participate in conversations with non-AAC users and keep up with my colleagues. At home I can use MyTobii for making telephone calls on my own. I can chat much more than I did before and even afford the luxury of being polite.

Since MyTobii is mounted on my wheelchair I can take it wherever I go. For instance am I able to go into a bank myself and talk to the clerk independently. I don´t need an interpreter anymore. Because MyTobii is on my wheelchair, I can use it at school. And at home I can use MyTobii during meals too.

For me communication is one of the most important abilities in life. It is more than expressing your needs. Getting in contact with others and talking to them makes you a member of society. MyTobii has become my voice.