| | The Steve Ruff Story
 by Bobbie Misiewicz
quipped with a sense of humor and a contagious smile, Steve Ruff is ready to take on the world. Steve is an independent, confident, outgoing 21 year-old who enjoys going to work, spending time with his family and friends, and talking on the phone. Despite severe personal challenges, with a little help from his friends at the United Cerebral Palsy Associations of New Jersey (UCPA/NJ), Steve is living a very fulfilling life.
Steve has Cerebral Palsy and is not able to walk, wash his hands independently or shower himself. Despite this, Steve keeps his sense of humor and focuses on what he can do. He independently operates a motorized wheelchair with a switch mounted for head use. He uses the Sicare Pilot, a voice activated environmental control unit, to assist in operating lights, the telephone and many other general household appliances.
Steve graduated from Fort Collins High School in Colorado in May of 1998. He moved with his family to New Jersey less than a year ago and began working with UCPA/NJ’s Rehabilitation Technology Department (RTS) and job placement services. Steve is now employed by Advanced Energy in Voorhees, New Jersey, where he delivers the mail. He is always attempting to improve his skills at work and at home. At present Steve is increasing his proficiency with computers via a scanning device and utilization of a chin switch to expand opportunities in his current employment setting.
Steve prides himself on being independent. He is known to keep his family and friends "on schedule" and is very organized. He is good at self-advocacy and has even solved his own transportation issues in the past. Steve has made many friends through a college group that he attends at his church. He also spends time at the Githen’s Center in Mount Holly, New Jersey, a center dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities. Steve likes to spend his free time with his friends and family, going to the movies, talking on the phone or attending sports events.
Steve is being honored with the Andrew J. Murphy Award at UCPA/NJ’s annual Spring Dance Party at the Princeton Marriott, Forrestal Village in Princeton, New Jersey on April 27th. This award is given each year in memory of Andrew J. Murphy, a young man who was born severely disabled but did not believe his physical limitations were barriers to doing what "able-bodied" people were doing. Like Andrew, Stephen Ruff is an inspiration to those around him and touches many with his courage, determination and spirited outlook on life. This year UCPA/NJ is proud to be presenting Stephen with this prestigious award.
United Cerebral Palsy Associations of New Jersey (UCPA/NJ) is known as an excellent resource in solving problems relating to education, employment, assistive technology, housing, and advocacy for children and adults with temporary or permanent disabilities. The non-profit agency serves individuals with cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, arthritis, spina bifida, drug or alcohol illness, mental retardation, stroke, hearing or visual impairments, and others. In addition, UCPA/NJ can connect people with appropriate information and funding sources that may be the key to independence. The agency is authorized by the federal government to distribute information, provide technical assistance and conduct training seminars on the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA Hotline within New Jersey 800-949-4232 or outside NJ (888) 322-1918). For information on any service, call (888) 322-1918. | |
