High school grad seeks to raise awareness of cerebral palsy – WEAU – WEAU

CHENEY, Kan. (KWCH) -- Like a proud parent, Gay Gower talks about her grandson's accomplishments as he graduates from Cheney High School in Cheney, Kansas.

"For his use of technology with his chair, he received Infinitech outstanding technology achievement," she said.

But that's not all. Her grandson, Dustin Gower, has also been featured in his high school newspaper multiple times.

"He made some artwork and he donated that as part of their community school service day," Gay said.

The recognition means so much for the family because Dustin is a unique 17-year-old.

"He has cerebral palsy," Gay said. "He was born prematurely and it's been in effect since then. It was diagnosed when he was nine months old."

But, his diagnosis has not stopped Dustin. With the use of special buttons and handles, Dustin is able to move himself around on his wheelchair by using only his hand, chin and mouth.

"Just because you don't have use in a certain limb, it doesn't mean you can't use another one," Dustin said.

To bring awareness to the many things people like Dustin can do, he created a Facebook page called Do not look down at a handicapped person.

"I don't want people to look at handicapped people and say they aren't going to do anything, like they are not important or you're just a person that's not going to do anything," Dustin said.

Dustin added he's inspired by many people, but he sees that he inspires others, too.

"That just makes me want to do my best every single day," he said. "Everything that I do just makes me want to do it even more."

Dustin said he wants to go to school to study engineering or technology so he can create tools that help other people like him.

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High school grad seeks to raise awareness of cerebral palsy - WEAU - WEAU