Although I could not speak on my own due to my cerebral palsy, I felt pretty frustrated and insecure about being nonverbal. However, it does not mean I have nothing to say. Now, I can communicate through my iPad. As I communicate with you, I want you to know that my CP doesn’t affect my mind at all and I don’t have any intellectual or cognitive issues. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage that affects a person’s ability to move, walk, and posture. Sometimes CP affects a person’s ability to speak which is caused by dysarthria. (Dysarthria is a speech disorder that causes muscle weakness in the neck or mouth. It can make it hard for people to speak. They may have trouble understanding what they do). People with cerebral palsy have different symptoms based on their physical abilities. Some people with cerebral palsy like myself cannot speak whereas others with cerebral palsy can speak or have speech impediments. Many people assume that people with nonverbal cer...

.   I am currently living in the best of both worlds- Greater Cincinnati and Florida. I was born and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have been living with my parents for over 29 years of my life. We have two wonderful family houses. My parents are close to 70 years old and they have been taking remarkable care of me. Friendly and compassionate caregivers typically assist me with my personal care needs and outings when my parents need so much break from caring for me. Some of these caregivers are my friends. One day, I will live in Florida permanently and become a homeowner with 24/7 care or move into my friend's house. I am totally capable of living independently. Living independently gives me the freedom to enjoy my life with my wonderful friends and caregivers.  I started living in South Florida for up to 6 months a year at the end of year 2021 (I was 25), (The law says I am a legal resident of Ohio and I can live in Florida for up to 6 months a year. Florida residents must l...