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WATF NEWS IN THIS ISSUE *** Indicates the beginning of a new article
*** In 2006, Sean applied for an Assistive Technology Loan to help pay for an iBOT – an innovative new wheelchair developed by the inventor of the Segway and distributed by Independence Technology. www.iBOTnow.com The iBOT can function on four wheels or in a two-wheel “balance” or standing position. The chair can also safely navigate curbs, maneuver rough terrain and even climb stairs! To qualify for an iBOT, Sean first had to participate in an independent evaluation. Not everyone is a candidate for this technology. For example, users cannot weigh more than 250 pounds and must have sufficient upper body strength to use the stair function. Once qualified, the next challenge was money! The price tag was about $25,000 and Medicare refused to cover any part of it saying that the chair was not medically necessary. Sean had some savings and was able to raise additional funds through the National Transplant Assistance Fund (www.transplantfund.org). Sean’s sister chipped in and then his dad put the rest on his credit card. When Sean and his dad heard about WATF from Independence Technology, they quickly applied for and were approved for a $6000 Assistive Technology loan. They used the loan to pay off their high rate credit card. The iBOT arrived two days before Christmas along with an Independence Technology specialist who programmed its computers to correspond with Sean’s center of gravity and spent a day teaching Sean how to safely use its features. Sean has had the iBOT for almost three months and loves it! The new chair has been a big plus in In terms of advice for anyone considering an iBOT, Sean says “Anyone who has an opportunity to get this chair should—no more worrying about challenges outside—finally get your freedom back.”
*** Mindy started out contracting as a counselor for the Department of Developmental Disabilities. As word of her skills got out, her business took off. She now has a number of contracts including one with a major national hotel chain to create training and reference materials on accessibility, disability sensitivity and the ADA. Mindy was recently offered a contract with Gentiva, a national rehabilitation organization, to help newly injured individuals transition from inpatient rehab to home and community. She connects clients with resources, helps them identify post-injury goals and assists them through the process of redefining themselves with their new abilities. The Gentiva contract brought one major challenge. Many of Gentiva’s clients live in outlying areas and Mindy had to find a way to get there. Mindy had a wheelchair accessible van but the front driver’s seat had been removed so that she could drive from her power chair. Due to limited strength and endurance, however, Mindy could not personally handle the two-three hour drive that could be required. Mindy needed a van someone else could drive and in which she could travel as a passenger. Mindy decided to purchase a newer wheelchair accessible van. She soon found a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan at Kersey Mobility Systems. It had a lowered floor for easy access and a ramp that slid into the floor at the side door threshold. The only modifications needed were to remove the front passenger seat and add tie downs so Mindy could sit in her power chair in this position. But how to pay for it? The van cost $18,500 and the modification was another $1900. Mindy had some savings ($8000) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation agreed to pay for the modifications. That still left a lot to cover! Fortunately, Mindy found WATF after searching the web for resources. She applied and was quickly approved for a $10,000 loan. The new van has meant a lot to Mindy—and the business. She can reach clients who live a long ways from home and enjoy increased freedom to travel to places too far for her to drive on her own. Mindy loves owning her own business and also feels that she has much to contribute. She recognizes that the transition from in-patient rehabilitation back to home can be extremely difficult. The fact that she herself is a wheelchair user means a lot to her clients – the message being that, even after a significant injury, it is still possible to live a happy and productive life and to realize your wildest dreams.
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WATF’s interest rates are 4.75% to 6.0%.
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*** “economic empowerment is at the heart of Andrew Imparato, American Association of People with Disabilities http://www.aapd-dc.org/
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*** FIND & BUY THE RIGHT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WANT TO OWN A BUSINESS? WHERE TO FIND STARTUP BUSINESS FUNDING BETTER BUDGETING UNDERSTAND & IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE HOME OWNERSHIP RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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Send your vote to info@washingtonaccessfund.org
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Please call 206-328-5116 or email info@washingtonaccessfund.org and let us know!
*** WATF Access Fund |
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Sean Winters was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Multiple Sclerosis in 1996. In less than three years, he was using a wheelchair and, due to fatigue and other related issues, had left his job. An experimental stem cell transplant stabilized Sean’s condition and, for the past seven years, he has led an active life – working part-time, getting together with family and friends and sharing his Kirkland condominium with his cat, Ed and dog, Lani.
social settings. As Sean notes, being at eye level makes it “so much easier to be a part of a conversation.” He also enjoys daily four mile walks through the woods with his dog. Those walks are much easier and safer than with his manual chair. “There are so many little things you don’t think about. In a manual chair, I am always scanning for obstacles and a little nervous. The smallest obstacle – a twig on the ground even – can dump you. The iBOT easily navigates the most difficult of terrains and readily adjusts to grade when I’m going down a hill. Overall, I just feel so much more comfortable and at ease.” Sean also has been impressed with the IBOT Customer Service, which features a 24/7 toll free number and next day, on-site service for repairs including computer software programming issues. 
When Mindy Huang moved with her husband to Spokane over two years ago, her first priority was to find a job. Mindy, who has an MSW in Social work, decided to start her own practice focusing on people with disabilities – an interest that arises, in part, from her experience living with Muscular Dystrophy. Anew Consulting was launched.