SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 300

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize James V. Ryan for his courage and his commitment to achieving independence in the face of adversity; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ryan became a quadriplegic following a brain stem stroke with aphasia and resided at the Care Inn Nursing Home in Seguin; with only partial control of his head and left hand, Mr. Ryan was able to communicate through his computer or by pointing with a stick held in his mouth; and

WHEREAS, In December of 2000, Mr. Ryan was referred to the Independent Living Services program of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, which is now a part of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services; with the aid of Roger Peterson and Suzanna Rodriguez of the Independent Living Services program, a plan of services was created to allow him to improve communication and better direct his own care; and

WHEREAS, Among the features of the plan formulated for him were transitional independent living training and various assistive technology devices, a speech communication system, and home modifications and home environmental equipment; and

WHEREAS, Today, Mr. Ryan lives in his own home; with steadfast personal vision and motivation, he has overcome tremendous odds, and his courage serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend James V. Ryan on his courage and his determination to live independently and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate