 Bob Smith Poet/Owner 55 Surrey Way Greenburgh, NY 10607 Tel (914)946-3726 Fax(914)328-6432 |
Work History and Testimonials
NYSARC Conference In the srping of 2006 Bob was invited to a one day conference in Syracuse, NY to present his story. His stunning ability to captivate the audience was unmatched throughout the day. Bob discussed his life and how Handmadepoetry came into existance. He uses his own life's experiences to motivate everyone within the sound of his voice. Just to hear what Bob has overcome is truly amazing itself, then add the fact that Bob has taken life's adversities and turned them into an employment opportunity for himself. Bob left everyone in the room wanting more. Dr. Beth Mount creator of Personal Futures Planning and International Consultant on Accessing a Fullfilling Life for People with Disabilities and Author of Over 50 Publications has this to share about Bob Smith : "Bob Smith is a testimony to the human spirit. He has defied every odd stacked against him to bring forth his beautiful poetry which expresses the depth of his experience and the power of his hope and determination. His poetry is deeply moving and sparks the well spring of passion in us all ." Please feel free to visit Dr. Beth Mout's web site: http://www.capacityworks.com/ Dr. Beth Mount's Profiles of Courage web page: Bob Smith is one of 10 featured Profiles of Courage http://www.capacityworks.com/profiles.html Direct link to Bob's Profile of Courage on Dr. Beth Mount's web site: http://www.capacityworks.com/bobsmith.html What Is Strength?, an original Bob Smith poem, has been hanging in my office since I had the distinct pleasure to meet and hear Mr. Smith present at two NYSARC, Inc. recreation conferences in April and September of 2006. I found that Bob is truly a presence. His story, as he tells through his poetry with assistance from support staff and adaptive equipment, inspires us to look past disability and find a way to give a voice to people who don’t use spoken words to communicate. After observing the audience’s response to his presentations, I am certain that I am not alone in my assessment. MaryBeth R. Schneider Coordinator of Communications NYSARC, Inc.
April 7, 2004 Bob Smith, The Right Thumb Poet, Makes School Visit Bob Smith, severely disabled from birth as the result of cerebral palsy, presented his poetry to the 6th and 7th grade students of the Garrison and Haldane Schools as a part of the Differences Day celebration on Wednesday March 31. Mr. Smith cannot speak, is confined to a wheelchair and is physically unable to care for himself. He was raised in an institution where he was often neglected because he couldn’t make his most basic needs known. And, from time to time, he was abused. But he is a poet who has learned the power of self-expression. At age 22, Bob moved into a group home sponsored by Westchester ARC. It was there that it was discovered that Bob had taught himself to read and he was given a communication board that enabled him to better interact with those around him. Bob used his right thumb to point to letters and words displayed on his wheelchair’s lapboard and used the method to "dictate" the letters and words composing his poetry. The process was laborious for Bob, whose motions are not fluid, and the "listener" needed time and patience to assist in the process. Many of his original poems were written using this method. He now uses a Dynavox voice synthesizer. Using a wand attached to a headband, Bob points to a computerized menus screen displaying letters, numbers, words and phrases that are translated into digitized "speech." At the school presentations Bob "read" his poems using the touch screen of the Dynavox and answered questions from the students. The Dynavox also allows him to create and record his poems without assistance. The students were able to see that despite his dependence on others, Bob has defined his own strength and fostered his capacity to observe and give voice to beauty and suffering in the world around him. Bob’s poems reflect his desire for love and friendship. They also capture the pain of abandonment and rejection. Over the past 10 years, his work has documented the swirl of life around him. Representatives of the Westchester ARC staff accompanied Bob on his visit and presented a video showing how they have been able to assist Bob in establishing his own business based on his poetry. He has published a book of his poetry, note cards combining his poems with nature photographs and matted photographs with his poems superimposed, ready for framing. Differences Day is presented by Common Treads, a project of the Garrison and Haldane PTAs with support from the Haldane School Foundation. Each of the students attending the presentation received one of Bob’s note cards containing one of his poems. Differences Day is presented by Common Treads, a project of the Garrison and Haldane PTAs with support from the Haldane School Foundation. Project of the Garrison and Haldane PTAs with support from the Haldane School Foundation. Each of the students attending the presentation received one of Bob’s note cards containing one of his poems. Differences Day is presented by Common Treads, a project of the Garrison and Haldane PTAs with support from the Haldane School Foundation. *Westchester Arc New Employee Orientation |