10 September 2025

A few weeks ago, Nathaniel got a new electric wheelchair, which has a joystick. I was a bit skeptical that he would know how to use it, but he proved to be a pro at it. The first time he used it, he was even coordinated enough to go out of a doorway. He doesn't have great depth perception because his eyes don’t work together so well, so he sometimes doesn't stop in time, but he is learning. He has been "driving" inside the apartment and around the neighborhood. He is so proud that he can go where he wants. Now when people visit and go out with him, he can be at eye level with them.

I was sitting on Nathaniel's right side. He wanted to get my attention, but he couldn't touch me or bang on the handle of his wheelchair because it was on the wrong side, so he moved his left hand near me and snapped his fingers to get my attention.

With regard to walking and standing, there are positive changes. Nathaniel's standing posture and stability have really improved. Nathaniel can help to advance his right leg, which once completely unable to move