2000 West Virginia
Rehabilitant of the Year
State Winner Adam Dean

District V State Rehabilitant of the Year Adam Dean

Technology embraced Adam Dean, assisting him in achieving things that no one thought possible. When Adam was eight months old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His parents were told the most they could hope forwas constant care and the possibility that Adam might be able to work in a sheltered workshop some day.

Adam's dad, Hugh Dean, who just happened to be a rehabilitation counselor, decided very early on that Adam would be treated just like his other children. Rae Dean, Adam's mom, comments, "Sometimes I'd have to leave. I couldn't stay in the room and watch him attempt things because I was afraid he'd get hurt. But anything he wanted to attempt we let him, and he did it. He surprised us!"

When Adam started school the caring efforts of his teachers helped him excel. His father told them, "Just because he can't talk doesn't mean that he can't think." One teacher was responsible for opening up the world of communication and technology to Adam. Because his writing was restricted due to physical limitations, she suggested that a typewriter would enable him to keep up with the other children. From the typewriter, Adamadvanced to a communicator and a home computer. He could express himself as never before, and he hasn't stopped.

Adam wanted to be an attorney, a career goal a rehabilitation counselor would not typically recommend because of his physical and speech limitations. Counselor Mary Armstead says, "When I thought about his career goals, any problems were never insurmountable because there was an awareness of technology. He was an excellent student so there was no reason to veer from the plan." Adam earned scholarships to help with the cost of his education.

Adam got his undergraduate degree from Marshall University in just three years. He graduated in the top 10 percent of his class at the West Virginia University College of Law and passed the bar exam. He now works as a Workers' Compensation Writ Clerk for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

State Supreme Court Justice Larry Starcher had Adam in class at law school and was amazed with the depth of his thought process. He put into motion the process to hire Adam. Starcher comments, "He's brilliant and a hard worker. We really have a true asset. Adam has been a superior professional."

You can see, in exchanges between Starcher and Adam, that they not only have developed a working relationship but that there is true camaraderie. In one teasing remark Adam reminds Starcher that if his goals are realized, one day the Chief Justice will be addressing him as Governor Dean. There is no reason to doubt him.

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