My name is Toby Haferman. I am 18 years old and a Senior at Plano East High School (PESH). I live at home with my mom, dad, 2 sisters and a small zoo.  

I have cerebral palsy and use a motorized wheelchair to get around. I have a Vanguard II communication system that allows me to talk to others. I have been using this system for almost 6 years now. The system I have uses infrared technology and I have a reflective "dot" that I wear on my forehead. The system recognizes the dot much like a television recognizes the remote control and I select icons and words with head movements and create sentences. Simply put; It's like a head mouse. I can access a pc and create documents, use the internet, watch media, listen to music and compose and reply to email.  I can spend hours in my room using the many features of the Vanguard.

This year I have begun mentoring younger students who also use communication devices. Some use the same device as I do and some have slightly different systems but they are all designed with the same purpose; communication.  I help them realize not only the potential of their devices but also the value of communicating effectively. I had a mentor when I was struggling with my device and watching her use her device inspired me.

Beyond high school I would like to continue working with and mentoring beginning device users. I also plan to attend college after I graduate and would like to enter a field that would allow me to have direct input regarding commmunication devices and their use.

I like to make sure that people with disabilities have their individual rights protected. I have started a business to help them with access as well as make our needs aware to as many people as possible.

I perform both physical and written evaluations of each place or business that I visit.  I navigate my wheelchair myself and this makes it easy for me to find out if establishments have good physical access or need some suggestions on how to improve their level of accessibility. Initially my evaluations focused primarily on wheelchair access but due to education and awareness, I now use criteria that encompasses many disabilities.

My evaluations have a variety of categories and I customize them to the individual businesses as appropriate.

I have a variety of people that are filling out evaluations in their area and submitting their reports to me either by email or via the link on my website.  If you think you may also like to evaluate or learn more about it, please contact us to get more information.

Completed evaluations are available to be viewed upon request. Just fill out the request form and submit it to us and we will get you the information you need. A full list of completed evaluations can be found under the evaluation tab.

All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them  

Walt Disney