PRC and the ECO2

     My career goal is to be a spokesman for the Prentke-Romich Company (PRC).  PRC is a company that manufactures, sells and customizes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.  AAC is a term used to describe various methods of communication that can help people who are unable or have difficulty using verbal speech to communicate.  My personal device is called the ECO2 and is pronounced "echo."  AAC can benefit a wide range of individuals, from the beginning communicator to a more sophisticated one that generates their own messages.  For more information about PRC and their products, visit: http://www.prentrom.com/.  For general information specifically about the ECO2 device, please read: http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/AugmentativeCommunication/p/Prentke-Romich-Aac-Devices-Give-Users-Language-Not-Just-Words.htm.
     Part of my driving motivation for potential employment at PRC would include benefiting others with a communication device in the same manner that I myself have benefited.  There may be people who have never had an AAC that are in dire need of such a device.  They simply may not know they exist, or, more realistically, they cannot afford one.  I would not be able to enjoy a higher quality of life without my ECO2, and so I would feel irresponsible by not sharing such opportunities with those in need.  PRC could also benefit from having a spokesperson that is a daily user of their devices, rather than a sales person.   

     In the past, I have been given opportunities to give speeches and demonstrations concerning my experiences while utilizing my Prentke-Romich AAC.  I gave these speeches twice at Vanderbilt University, three times at Purdue University, and once at Ivy Tech community college in Lafayette.  These speeches were organized through the department of augmentative and alternative communications (Dr. Lyle Lloyd; http://www.edst.purdue.edu/aac/).  While giving these speeches, I felt an incredible sense of purpose and was happy to be included in spreading the word about the benefits of AACs.  To read a transcript of my speech, documented as a Wikipedia entry, please read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Scottandy.  The speeches are a big part of why I would like to be employed by PRC in this manner, getting paid to advertise and present information about the company’s AACs (which I myself use on a daily basis).