What does Independence mean to Luca?
Independence for me means to advocate for myself, to schedule my employees, work independently and have fun in the process. Independence for me does not include physical, as this is the part that I need help 100% of the time,
My Experience with Lectures
In 2024, I was lecturing at my College’s Introduction to Communications class taught by my speech therapist. I was invited by my speech therapist to give this lecture. In 2025, I was invited by my nursing Supervisor, to lecture at Pennington Middle School. I talked about communication in both lectures. I talked about communication because I felt that students should learn about different ways to communicate. I felt that the talks helped me feel more independent because I shared my thoughts and feelings about communication to the class. It was great!
Who is helping you with your independence?
Jeannette, my Assistive Technologist (AT), has helped me navigate life over the past ten years. She is a great advocate during my time at my High School. She expressed a sense of concern when my family moved to NJ because the middle school was not accessibility friendly environment. She taught at school systems where they were not doing the right thing. Without Jeannette’s help, I wouldn’t know how to navigate my life and community through the use of my communication device. She also taught me how to utilize Microsoft’s software products and Google software products independently. Currently, her role involves troubleshooting and resolving issues with my computer.
tool #1
I use a calendar
Tool #2
Advocate for myself speaking up and I make my own decisions
tool #3
Luca uses ZOOM to remotely communicate and schedule his employees.
Tool #4
Luca make agendas and his own schedules. This helps him stay efficient, on task, and organized.
Tool #5
Luca like to plan an outing over a Zoom call. This helps him plan accordingly and notify his parents.
Tool #6
Luca uses a phone connected to my computer through Bluetooth to communicate important information. For example, Luca texts his Mom or Dad to come and pick me and my friend up from the outing.