MY name is Anthony Babauta and I am a person with disability who uses a wheelchair, I am sad to hear that Mr. Thomas Camacho, the executive director of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, tried to be terminated by some of the Council members. I cannot forget Mr. Camacho in my whole life because he helped me with lot of ways to become productive, independent, and included in our island. As you know, I have a spinal cord injury and I use wheelchair. Through the help of Mr. Camacho, I was able to be trained on the vehicle hand control device—an equipment that is installed in an automatic car so that legs will not be used in driving, instead only the hands will be used. As a result, I was able to get my driver’s license. Because of this, I can go around and visit friends, go to school, go to work and became independent.
Mr. Camacho gave me the opportunity to work in the Assistive Technology Project of the GCDD. I became productive in my life despite my disability and feel that I am really a part of this community. Mr. Camacho sent me to the United States to undergo training on assistive technology called Fundamental Course in Assistive Technology. I was very excited because this was my first time to be in the U.S. I learned a lot about assistive technology that will help people with disabilities. I would like to share also that I cannot forget that during the reception given to us in the U.S., that was the first time I danced using a wheelchair, all because Mr. Camacho encouraged me to join and not be left alone.
He also gave me the chance to be a member of the Council and a member of the A’l’ advisory board. With all these experiences, I give credit to Mr. Camacho because even if I have a disability, he gave me the chance and encouragement to prove that I have abilities. Thank you very much Mr. Tom Camacho for being a true advocate for people with disabilities.ANTHONY BABAUTA
Marpi, Saipan
