Brian Kays
Brian's Bookstore and Coffee Bar, Connersville, Indiana
Division of Disability & Rehabilitative Services (DDRS)
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STATEWIDE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE AIMS AT CREATING FUTURE SUCCESS STORIES
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug 6, 2009) –Technology often makes it possible for individuals with disabilities to achieve successful employment, education and live more independently. A reflection of these accomplishments can be seen in Brian Kays, owner of Brian’s Book Store and Coffee Bar in Connersville, Indiana.
“Brian has overcome significant challenges relating to his Cerebral Palsy,” said Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) Region Manager Ken Williams, who has worked with Brian at various time during the last 15 years. “Brian is truly an ambassador for what a person with a disability can achieve with employment supports and assistive technology.”
Brian received a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Wright State University in 1995. Instrumental in developing his own business plan, VRS provided supports to help Brian open his business and maintain his independence. This included necessary modifications to the store and vehicle. Because Brian is nonverbal, assistive technology devices are the key to helping Brian successfully communicate with vendors, employees and customers. Since the store opening 11 years ago, Brian has flourished and today needs only minimal support from VRS.
This Friday, the Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) will partner with the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project at Easter Seals Crossroads to host the 2009 Statewide Assistive Technology Conference. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
Passes for the INDATA pre-conference, conference, and lunch are gone. Passes are still available for the Exhibit Hall which will host 50+ vendors. The Exhibit Hall will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Please visit the registration desk to get a pass for the Exhibit Hall. For more information on this year’s conference please visit http://2009indatastatewideatconference.eventbrite.com/. For more information on DDRS, please visit www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs.
Media contact: Marcus Barlow, 317-234-0197 or e-mail: marcus.barlow@fssa.in.gov.
