Sam Vranizan

My name is Sam Vranizan and I am twenty two years old. I was born with cerebral palsy and I live in Portland, Oregon. I recently moved into a group home because I qualified for Comp 300 Services. It has been tough for me living away from home.  I am applying for Supported Living so I can have more control over my support needs and so I can move back home with these supports.

 Last June I completed my education from the PPS Community Transition Program for students with disabilities. My program was focused on improving communication through the use of a voice output communication device. It is a computer with a program that enables me to speak. It has helped me in sharing my thoughts and having my needs met. It has enabled me to direct activities at home, and at school, with my medical needs and with my social life.

I like to do activities with my family. Each year we travel to Lake Tahoe to ski. When I ski, my mom and dad, brother, sister and cousins ski along with me, while the instructor guides me down the mountain.

Each summer, I attend Friends and Leaders Communication Retreat at UC Berkeley, which is sponsored by The Bridge School. The camp allows me to meet other AAC (Assistive technology) users and learn from them more about communication.

I have had my communication device for five years. I still have a lot to learn but it has made my life easier. It gives me the ability to be my own advocate.

I joined ELNW so that I can meet people and learn more.