Dave Finn: Assistive Technology Helps Him Talk about His Passion for Golf

Dave Finn loves golf. However, because he has a form of muscular dystrophy, Dave cannot play the game in person. However, Dave’s disability has not affected his passion for the sport. Thanks to assistive technology, Dave can participate in his favorite activity. When his father, John, was asked what he thought his son’s life would be like without golf, he replied “I would not want to imagine it.” Dave also loves chess and movies. And Harry Potter. But there’s golf, his passion since the day his dad took him to the PGA championship to watch their favorite player, Phil Mickelson. At the 14th hole, Phil came and introduced himself to Dave and presented him with a signed glove. When his favorite golfer won the championship, he invited Dave again, to share in the glory, as a large photo published in the Star-Ledger shows. “It was a completely magical moment,” says John. Since that day 12 years ago, Dave has amassed signatures and memorabilia from every great name in golf. And he has a signed letter from former President George W. Bush.

 

What does Dave get from his hobby of golf? “He gets an identity from it,” says John. That just brings a vitality to his life that he can’t experience in any other way.” “He wasn’t just the kid in the wheelchair. He became somebody who was recognized and acknowledged,” said Vanessa. The greatest golfers and their caddies speak of the “magnetism” by which they are drawn to Dave.

 

 

Assistive Technology Helps Dave Express His Passion

Moreover, how does someone with such a severe physical disability engage in a sport like golf? The Assistive Technology Center was able to provide Dave with a Dynavox alternative augmentative communication (AAC) device, through which he is able to program his DVR to watch tournaments and communicate with the world around him. The AT team also provided him with a T-bar stylus to tap the words on the screen he desired.

 

John Finn relates how he and his wife were shocked to learn of Dave’s diagnosis of muscular dystrophy 22 years ago, especially since there had been no signs of anything wrong during the first years of his life; until his later years in elementary school, he was like any other active, talkative boy. “It completely changed everything in our lives,” says John. “For example, I stayed home with Dave for several years then took a teaching job to have more time at home.” Over time, “It became obvious that Dave needed assistance communicating,” says John. “His school recommended we look at AT,” says John.

 

At first, Dave had a paper alphabet board. Though this device was easy to use, it had a major drawback: someone had to set it up and another person had to be behind him to communicate the letters he was tapping. With the Dynavox, Dave can communicate on his own. “I feel independent and proud of myself,” says Dave

 

“He first used the Dynavox in grammar school,” says John. When asked whether it was easy for him to use, Dave shakes his head. However, Dave persevered, saying, “Don’t give up when it doesn’t work at first.” Says John, “It was a long time ago, but we seem to remember small buttons and a lack of a stylus, although we didn’t realize we needed one.”

 

When asked of what accomplishment or challenge is David most proud, Vanessa replies, “I believe he would be most proud of the fact that he can use his device to control what he watches on TV.” His mom continues, “The device has been called a $10,000 remote. He can do anything with it that a regular remote can do and he uses it constantly. It seems like such a simple thing but it makes a tremendous difference in his and our lives.” Adds John, “Overall, we have had an excellent experience with AT. Dave’s communication device has been a blessing beyond description. Really!”

 

 

The World Reaches Out to the Golf’s Greatest Fan

As much as Dave loves the world of golf, the world of golf loves Dave. A segment on one of the most respected and watched shows in the sport, NBC’s Golf Channel, featured Dave.

 

 

To be sure, golf’s greatest fan has a Facebook fan page dedicated to him, keeping the many people in his world informed….

 

… while a man named John Wood composed a beautiful, thoughtful ballad, which he dedicated to Dave.

 

And with his Dynavox, Dave has a message to share with his fellow golfers and the world:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assistive Technology enables Dave to share him and his dad share their passion for golf.