Saturday, June 24, 2006

Communication tool stolen from cerebral palsy student

Clara Garcia News-Bulletin Staff Writer; cgarcia@news-bulletin.com

Casa Colorada Melinda Benitez has lived her entire 22 years with a positive attitude and the determination to learn as much as she can.

But since she was an infant, she has had to work harder than everyone else to achieve those goals.

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And now, someone has derailed her process when they stole a vital tool that assists her in everyday life.

According to a police report, an unknown person broke into her home on Storey Road in mid-April and took her laptop computer and her Chat PCII, a hand-held device essential for Melinda to communicate with the outside world.

Benitez, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was born, cannot walk, cannot talk and cannot believe someone has taken something so valuable to her. Now, she can't afford to replace the $3,000 device.

Her uncle, Isreal Benitez, said that while their home-owners insurance will pay half of the cost to replace the Chat PCII, they still can't afford the remaining $1,500.

"We were leaving that night and I asked her if she wanted to take it with her," Isreal Benitez said. "She said she didn't because it needed to be charged. When we got back, we noticed that someone had broken into the house."

It didn't take long before the family noticed that the device had been stolen, along with a laptop Melinda uses in school.

The 2002 Belen High graduate is currently going to college focusing on general studies. But without the only thing that helps her communicate with those on the outside world, she's contemplating not returning to school.

"She's frustrated," her uncle said. "This has helped her become very independent and now, she may not go back to school because she can't communicate without it."

Isreal Benitez explained that the Chat PCII works on many levels, including with Melinda's weekly speech therapy sessions. The device was programmed with a variety of commands and icons that Melinda presses to assist her with communicating with others.

Melinda can tell people what she thinks, what she needs or what she wants. She can ask a teacher a question, tell her uncle what she did on any given day or just let people know how she's feeling.

But until the family can raise enough money to replace the computer, she won't be able to do what most of us take for granted — communicate.

Before, Melinda could only communicate by using sign language, facial expressions, gestures and minimal speech.

"This was devastating to the family because Melinda had begun to use the Chat PCII to independently communicate her physical needs, emergency situations, and to participate in conversations with family and friends.

"Any support the community is able to give is welcome and appreciated by the family," Isreal Benitez said. "Melinda didn't want to ask anyone for help — she has a lot of pride and I don't blame her. But this device is very important to her and how she communicates and to her independence.

"No one wants her to quit school — not me, not her family and especially not her. It's too important. But right now, we just need a little help finding the funds to replace this. "

Anyone who is interested in helping Melinda replace the stolen Chat PCII, call Isreal Benitez at 720-8258.

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