Judith Brand has been using computers since she was a small child. She writes plays, does schoolwork, and even plans her entire week using scheduling software. But, she is a newbie in on-line interaction. Surprising? Yes and no.. Although Judith has been anxious to get online for a long time, the fact that she uses adaptive devices has made surfing the Net impossible. Now that she's discovered a way to use her screen reader and keystrokes instead of a mouse to get online, a million doors are opening for her.

Early in her life, parents Jackie and Steve Brand, discovered that Judith had cerebral palsy, with very limited mobility. She is also legally blind. At that time, a diagnosis of "CP" meant severe limitations on a person's ability to live life. "We knew there was more inside this little girl than people were telling us." The parents searched for a solution, and they found that computers could help Judith achieve her potential. The special technology Judith uses--including a screen reader and adapted keyboard- has helped her to become a successful student and writer. The roadblocks she discovered on the way to the information superhighway slowed her down, but didn't stop her.

Judith wants to learn more about psychology, about New Age authors and their ideas- things the Web can provide. "I wanted to read my horoscope online everyday, using the Internet" Judith says. There was a whole world--chatting, email newsgroups-- Judith longed to join. It remained tantalizingly out of reach because of technical difficulties.

After getting input from others who use screen readers, Judith decided to try CompuServe. Since CompuServe is mostly text based, Judith can receive email. (The screen reader reads every letter on the screen, so the words and numbers most of us ignore sound like a lot of "gibberish" attached to each message!) Despite minor annoyances, Judith finds the ability to communicate and "travel the world" a new thrill.

Judith moves through the online interface using keystrokes rather than a mouse. This means she has to memorize the combination of keys to press for the functions most of us start with a mouseclick (ie send mail.) This has taken a lot of work, and as Judith says "patience". She adds "I don't give up."

Her patience has paid off. She has an address book full of people she writes to, and a list of forums she enjoys taking part in. "My schedule is busy, but whenever I can, I spend time at the computer. Saturdays are the days I have the most time to get online. "

Judith is not just on line, she is making waves. She decided she wanted a more adventurous email address, and one that would be easier for friends to remember. She found out, by contacting Compuserve, that this is indeed possible. This shouldn't surprise anyone who knows Judith's style--she values self expression, whether by acting in Midsummer's Night Dream, dance, or writing. Her email address, although undetermined yet now, will undoubtedly be memorable.

Recently, Judith came across a forum on diabetes. She immediately contacted a friend who has juvenile diabetes, and offered to pass the information on. What sounds really simple was a huge step for Judith, after a lifetime of struggle to be an active part of the world. She has also discovered she can learn about animals, gardening, and movies, three favorite topics, all with the simple tool of a modem!

She is not finished learning yet-- there is mail forwarding, web surfing and who knows, maybe web-developing yet to conquer. But the taste of this new success is leading her onward. If her typical style is any indication, look for "Judith Brand, Webmaster", coming soon to a screen near you!