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with their interests to successfully and happily re-enter the working world.
One of my favorite things to work on is trialing and aligning assistive technology with each individual I work with to allow those with spinal cord injuries to increase their productivity in the workplace as well as to increase independence in daily activities. We trial assistive technology, initially, to verify the individual is able to benefit. Once they have obtained employment, working closely with the client and employer, we observe and modify such things as the workstation, work flow, computer equipment, technology, and ergonomics and implement changes, as needed, to ensure it is beneficial and the client is successful.
Being a Speech-Language Pathologist for 19 years, I am also able to combine my knowledge of cognitive-communication skills with vocational knowledge to help individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury along with a spinal cord injury. For those that have residual cognitive challenges, I work with them to implement effective compensatory tools and strategies to assist with such things as memory and organizational impairments, which may include appropriate apps, use of smartphones or technology or even simple tools, such as a planner.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and running and spending time with my husband and two kids who are both in high school. My family and I have enjoyed volunteering at Miracle League of Arizona, Arizona Disabled Sports and Day at the Lake.
Collaboration with community employers and volunteer coordinators to ensure success of my clients is one of my favorite facets of my job. I have learned the vast amount of dedication, motivation, and sheer determination that is required for someone who has sustained a spinal cord injury to re-enter the workforce, and, in many situations, in a completely different capacity than before. Little do my clients know, they end up teaching me more than I could ever teach them.
-Christi Porter, MS, CCC-SLP