Michael is a 16-year-old teenager who lives with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, which is caused by abnormal brain development or damage that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles and all four limbs.
Michael is nonverbal and has very limited use of his arms and legs, but that doesn’t stop him from communicating and expressing his thoughts & emotions! Michael communicates through a computer and something called an eye gaze board. Like many 16-year-olds, Michael enjoys playing Xbox, shopping at the mall, riding roller coasters, and traveling with his family.
Despite his condition, Michael has no cognitive impairments. He is mainstreamed in school with the help of a personal assistant and can participate in various activities. Michael is interested in weather and cars, and wants to be a meteorologist or mechanical engineer when he grows up!
