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(PRWEB) July 18, 2004 -- The following orginally appeared in The Birmingham News on 02/09/04,and the contents were edited.

CARLA CROWDER

News staff writer

He was already a social worker, an activist for people with disabilities, a husband and a quick wit full of smart-alecky one-liners. Not bad for a guy whose cerebral palsy has left him unable to walk or use his hands.

Sunday, 34-year-old John Benson became a certified Webmaster as well, taking home an associate degree from Virginia College.

He has passed every test, completed every assignment, overcome every obstacle, made A's in every class, and he did it by using his head - literally," said Virginia College program director Gary Brandon, as Benson accepted his diploma to a standing ovation at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall.

Benson designs Web sites by typing onto a special keyboard with a laser pointer mounted onto a pair of glasses. He manipulates the computer's mouse with his chin and nose.

"He accomplished more in this fashion, than most people who have full use of their limbs," Brandon said.

When Benson's keyboard was broken, he typed with a regular writing pen. When assignments called for Benson to view a screen in front of the classroom, instructor William Crowson designed a platform for the mouse, so Benson would not have to lean his head down so far to use it.

"I did not want any special favors or any more time to do the assignments," Benson said in an interview after graduation.

Except for allowing him to take his exams orally, instructors made no special accommodations, Crowson said.

You have to listen closely to understand all of Benson's words. His cerebral palsy has left his speech impaired. But he has much to say, as well as a photographic memory and a keen sense of humor.

Benson received his first degree nine years ago, in social work, from the University of North Alabama.

He worked at the Independent Living Center in Birmingham for several years, helping people with disabilities live on their own.

He's had his own Web site since 1995, then expanded his Web skills when a cousin who is a Vietnam veteran asked him to design a site for his Navy division (www.ironbutterfly.ws)

Shortly before starting the Web design program at Virginia College, Benson almost died when a severe Staph infection worked its way into his neck.

He's posted his resume on some Web sites, and applied for jobs.

"I excel in HTML," Benson said. "I can catch mistakes real quickly."
His main concern is that his speech impediment makes telephone interviews tough.

But he comes across great in person. John Benson's work can be viewed on his Web site www.jobenwebdesigns.com

You can reach JoBen Web Designs at joben@jobenwebdesigns.com

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