He's getting better
Considering that in circa 1963 he was given the standard six months to
live pronouncement, Hawking has done pretty well with his life, including
dumping his first wife for his nurse. I do not mean that is an accomplishment
to be proud of, just that for someone who can only move two fingers
he has lived a fuller life than most people with fully functioning bodies.
The news here:
http://www.universetoday.com/2009/04/21/hawking-update-condition-improved/