My name is Cillian Mc Sweeney.  I am 24 yrs old and I have Cerebral Palsy.  I am a service user at Enable Ireland Adult Services in East Gate, Cork .I am also a musician.  Without technology I would never have thought this was possible.

I started using technology with single switches about 20 yrs ago, and thankfully technology has come along way since then and has taken me with it every step of the way.

I currently use a MyTobii with Eyegaze for communication.  The Eyegaze is an amazing piece of technology as it allows my eyes to scan the words and speak them for me.  This has been a fantastic breakthrough for me as it gives me the ability to speak but more importantly for me it allows me to write lyrics as I am a songwriter .This communication aid has given me independence and allows me to be included in a world I never thought possible .For me it has helped my literacy come a long way and allows me to express my feelings in words that I put into songs .I have even been lucky enough to have a CD released in 2011.

I also use technology to perform and compose music.I perform using a Soundbeam which is switch accessible and I play along with members of my band called Circles . I joined a music project in my local community over 2 years ago and the members there allowed me to use my lyrics and we perform at local events.Recently I have been able to access the iPad using a single switch .This has been the ultimate goal for me as I have an app called Garageband and in this app it allows me the freedom to compose my own music. In the past few weeks I have composed about seven new songs and I am very excited about the future .

I also have a fantastic power chair that has given me unbelievable freedom.  I use a specially designed head switch behind my head to get around. This switch was the first of its kind to be used in Ireland and I have been to many places and events in the last few years. Since I got this chair I have been able to take myself from room to room independently.  This was a huge advantage for me as I don't need to wait till someone is free to take me anywhere.  This is especially evident in work /school etc.The best part of using this chair is at a concert or a match.  I have the power to rise the chair up above the tallest person in front of me, so no more blocking my view at an event .

My advice to anyone who is dependent on technology is don't give up.  Keep trying out new devices.  Put yourself forward to be a pioneer you never know where it may lead you to.