Thinking Outside the Box

My Billy’s collection

Hey everyone,

I know it’s been a few weeks since my last post—thanks for your patience! I’ve been recovering from a pretty nasty upper and lower respiratory infection, and I also had the opportunity to attend the annual Self-Determination Conference at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells. It was three full days of presenters, booths, and meaningful conversations. And one of those conversations inspired today’s topic: Assistive Technology.

While at the conference, I was approached by a mother of two men I went to high school with. One of her sons, a twin, has a more severe form of cerebral palsy than I do and is nonverbal. We were chatting about the presentations I was giving—one of which was on assistive technology with my colleague Laura—when she said something that really stuck with me.

She looked at me and said, “Oh that’s great, but you don’t really use assistive technology anymore, right?”

I glanced down at my wheelchair. At my feet, where I was wearing my ever-present Billy Footwear. And I replied, “Of course I do. It’s the only way I’m able to operate a computer efficiently for work or move around on my own.”

She looked stunned. It was as if she had forgotten that assistive technology comes in many forms—not just high-tech devices or communication aids, but also mobility equipment, adaptive clothing, and tools that make everyday tasks more accessible.

For example, I once had a special chapstick lid 3D printed with hinges so I could flip it open and closed more easily. It didn’t fit every chapstick tube, but it was a small innovation that made a big difference. That’s the beauty of assistive tech—it’s not one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to work for the person using it.

This is why it’s so important to keep an open mind. Almost anything can be made possible for anybody, as long as there are people willing to think outside the box and work together to create tools that meet real needs.

Whether it’s a wheelchair, a voice-to-text app, adaptive utensils, or a pair of shoes designed for ease of use—assistive technology is everywhere, and it empowers people to live more independently, confidently, and authentically.

So next time you see someone using a tool that helps them navigate the world, remember: it’s not about what they can’t do. It’s about what they can do—with the right support.

Thanks for reading, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with assistive tech in the comments!