Tony tries on a pair of cool sunglasses with his dad, Bob

Tony is a 33 yr. old from Mansfield, Massachusetts with cerebral palsy. He is a highly valued employee of the Kendall Comany in Mansfield. "He just loves interacting with everyone that goes by him, and EVERYONE knows Tony" a company representative exclaimed.

Tony and Rick continued speaking using their computers: "Rick, I just wanted to thank you for my new computer", Tony said with a big smile. "This computer makes it easier for me to communicate with everyone."

“I hope that your computer brings you much success”, Rick responded. Success and excitement radiated from both their faces.

Tony’s sister was clearly impressed; “I thought I knew my brother when he was talking to me by the facial expressions he made, but now when there’s actually a voice behind him, it’s a full conversation.”

Ordering an Orange Julius at the mall

“People know exactly what I think, because I can tell them” Tony said, “I feel more comfortable being without my dad in different surroundings. If I need something, I can ask a stranger with the computer voice”. Regarding his job, he says: “I like contributing to the company, and I really, really like getting a paycheck.”

Tony e-mails his friends, likes to joke and have fun, and recently went sking for the first time getting pushed in a specially designed device. “I believe people should enjoy life and each other.”

His father remarks; “He’s just a happy guy as a result of all this.”

Words+ and Panasonic together donated a fully equipped Freedom 2000 to Rick Hoyt, another to Tony Bonfiglio and a third to Children’s Hospital Boston which is being used as an evaluation unit.

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