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The Need for the Internet

(written by iearn@iearn.org, 03/22/1996)

/* Written  9:52 AM  Mar 14, 1995 by peg:cmcintosh in igc:iearn.tc */
/* ---------- "The NEED for the net" ---------- */
HOW THE INTERNET ENRICHES THE LIFE OF HOUSE-BOUND PEOPLE

A PERSONAL OVERVIEW :

The internet is an integral part of my life.

In 1980, at the age of nine, I was rendered a quadriplegic.  I spent
the months from January to October in the Royal Children's Hospital
where the doctors attempted to rehabilitate my body.   After they got
me as good as they were capable of, I was sent to a "special school".
The majority of the kids at the special school were mentally and
physically impaired.  As far as I was concerned there was nothing
wrong with my mental facilities, although others might beg to differ!
The main emphasis at the special school was to get me walking again.
There was very little done to challenge me mentally, seeing as how our
classes were organised according to age rather than ability.
Eventually, the teachers set me and my friend, who was also not
mentally altered, separate lessons.  In 1984 I was integrated into a
"normal school" (Broadford Secondary College) where I remained until I
completed Year 12 successfully in 1989, although I still went  back to
the special school for physiotherapy.

After I left school in 1989 I basically became a "couch potato"
because none of the universities I was accepted into were able to deal
with my disability.    I spent most of my days watching U.S. talk
shows, only to discover that some of them are quite good!

In April of 1994 Bill Coppinger introduced me to the internet.  Since
then I have felt my life has been given back its purpose.  Via the
internet I am able to keep up with the issues that are of concern to
other young people.  Living with my parents, it was easy to become a
part of their world.  They and I have very different ideas about the
way that things should happen.  It was like I was trapped in my own
little world with only myself to discuss issues with.  (Many was the
time Dad would catch me talking to myself, and answering myself, in my
lounge chair).   Now with the help of the internet I have been saved
from the asylum.  I am able to contribute my say on matters to other
people all around the world and I receive valuable feedback on
subjects that interest me as a young person.  Also, through I*EARN
Vision I have found an outlet for my short story writing.  The
internet has also allowed me to pursue my one true passion -
Springsteen.   It allows me to get information on what he's doing and
where he's doing it via a mailing group I have subscribed to.

The internet has opened up a whole new world for me, a world where I
don't have to be disabled unless I choose to be.  The internet allows
me to be whoever I want and whatever I want, it does not judge me, nor
does it see my wheelchair and shy away.   The internet has
reintroduced me to life.


AN OVERALL OVERVIEW  :

I am certain the internet could be of benefit to everyone who is
house-bound, be they agoraphobics, elderly people, disabled people,
institutionalised people and even people in the prison system.
Introducing people in the prison system to the internet is probably
already being done, but if it isn't I'm sure it would benefit everyone
if it was.  The prisoners could use the internet rather than lawyers
to set up their appeals, thus keeping the taxpayers happier and Legal
Aid less clogged.

I am sure if the internet had been around in 1980 my friend and I
would have been much happier and further mentally stimulated at the
"special school".