Sam Ren's AT for Storytelling

A photo of a young man looking at the camera, wearing headphones and sitting in a power wheelchair

 

"My name is Sam Ren. I was born in Canberra in 1986 and have been using technology since the age of six. I have had many different experiences that that I use to run Sam Ren Productions, a film production company based out of Perth, Western Australia."

 

Photo of a young man in a powered wheelchair in a studio with headphones and microphones

 

From DOS to iPad

When I was young, my OT  introduced me to a switch-operated computer running on a DOS system—a device that could only type, as the internet didn’t exist in those early days. Around 1996 the Center of Inclusive Schooling provided me with an Apple computer and Keenex, which marked a turning point. Not only could I type, but I could also use a mouse, play games, and complete customized schoolwork via a scan array.

In Year 6, I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Michael O’Leary, the founder of Spectronics. My visiting teacher arranged for him to visit my school, and he was astounded by how quickly I navigated the scan array using a single switch. Michael remarked that I was the fastest user he’d ever seen. From that day forward, he remained a mentor throughout high school.

The Discover Switch served me until 2010, when the company ceased operations. I transitioned to Switch xs, a more reliable European alternative, though it still had occasional glitches. Today, I rely on Apple’s built-in Switch Control, having shifted from a desktop to an iPad. The iPad’s accessibility features are simpler, more intuitive, and far more comfortable, allowing me to work from my lap instead of being confined to a desk chair. For writing, I use Voiceitt, a speech-to-text app tailored for those with speech impairments. Editing videos is seamless with iMovie: I utilize the “tap and hold” function on Switch Control to play/pause clips, trim segments, adjust volume, and upload directly to my YouTube channel.

 

AT for writing a book

Recently, I began writing a book using three tools: Voiceitt for dictation, ChatGPT for grammar and formatting, and Pages for final edits. Voiceitt has revolutionized my workflow, enabling me to share this story with clarity and efficiency. Without these advancements, my creative and academic pursuits would have been unimaginable. Technology has not only empowered my independence but also transformed how I connect with the world.

 

 

Find out more about Sam and Sam Ren Productions

 

 

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