Update - 11/19/08
Matthew has a new physical therapist, Paul Chang. Paul doesn't let Matthew slack or get off easy, and Matthew is actually responding very well to the strong, assertive therapist. Matthew will now get himself up out of his wheelchair, walk between the parallel bars by himself and doesn't get distracted or stop after a step or two. He recently made it six steps at a time and repeated that three times!
Matthew is also "blowing away" the speech therapist and his parents. He can now read out loud a 12 word sentence without any problem at all and looks up with that look on his face, "is that all you have for me?" The Kurz family has a picture on their wall with scripture on it and Matthew rolled up to it and read the words "Be still and know that I am God." He then responded with his characteristic, "Ohhhhhhh yeahhhhhhh." If you have ever talked to Matthew, you know how he can say this with lots of enthusiasm and emphasis!
Last week Matthew was evaluated for a new larger computer screen, keyboard and program. The computer screen he currently has is difficult for him to see, so the larger screen will really be helpful. The new keyboard has white keys that are very large and the letters on the keys are in black. This also helps Matthew tremendously with being able to read the keyboard. He was asked to spell out his name and then "Have a nice day" on the keyboard and he did it without any problem.
Matthew remembers alot about navigating around the computer, how to turn it on, etc. The new program will help him write sentences. Matthew can type a sentence in and then the computer will repeat it back to him and then Matthew will know if he got it right.
Art lessons have begun! Matthew is learning from Lucas Richardson (an art student studying to be an art teacher). It has been a great beginning for Matthew and he loves the color. He especially likes painting with the tubes of acrylic paint. I'm sure we'll have lots more to share in the future about Matthew and painting. He still has a great passion for painting.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother
Matthew is also "blowing away" the speech therapist and his parents. He can now read out loud a 12 word sentence without any problem at all and looks up with that look on his face, "is that all you have for me?" The Kurz family has a picture on their wall with scripture on it and Matthew rolled up to it and read the words "Be still and know that I am God." He then responded with his characteristic, "Ohhhhhhh yeahhhhhhh." If you have ever talked to Matthew, you know how he can say this with lots of enthusiasm and emphasis!
Last week Matthew was evaluated for a new larger computer screen, keyboard and program. The computer screen he currently has is difficult for him to see, so the larger screen will really be helpful. The new keyboard has white keys that are very large and the letters on the keys are in black. This also helps Matthew tremendously with being able to read the keyboard. He was asked to spell out his name and then "Have a nice day" on the keyboard and he did it without any problem.
Matthew remembers alot about navigating around the computer, how to turn it on, etc. The new program will help him write sentences. Matthew can type a sentence in and then the computer will repeat it back to him and then Matthew will know if he got it right.
Art lessons have begun! Matthew is learning from Lucas Richardson (an art student studying to be an art teacher). It has been a great beginning for Matthew and he loves the color. He especially likes painting with the tubes of acrylic paint. I'm sure we'll have lots more to share in the future about Matthew and painting. He still has a great passion for painting.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother
posted by Randy Asburry @ 9:15 AM
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