Brushing your teeth, playing a computer game, even feeding yourself at dinner; you probably don’t even think about these things as you do them. But, for those with physical and mental disabilities, these tasks can all be daily obstacles. One local group is doing their part to help.
Assistive technology, gadgets that make performing everyday tasks simpler for those with disabilities, can save time energy and effort while performing daily tasks. These items are being given away by United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville, at no cost to locals in need.
We spoke to Tracy Cieniewicz, the Sustainability Director United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville. She tells us, “We have a lot of extra equipment that we want to share with the community. So, we’re just inviting everybody to come down, take a look, and see what might help them.”
Anything from adding a plastic grip to a fork to assist with eating, to rewiring a remote control car so that it can be operated without hands. Switches, mounts, communication tools; they might seem like small additions, but, they have a big impact.
Cieniewicz tells us that the ability to be independent can make all the difference in quality of life. She adds, “We all want to do things for ourselves while we can. So, there are a lot of different tools available to be able to help individuals be independent at home.”
UCP Huntsville has items to help those with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, autism, even modified toys for children with physical disabilities. UCP says they have a lot of tools for older citizens who are battling the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Cieniewicz tells us, “With aging comes age-related disabilities, and everyone wants to be able to age at home and not have to be faced with that out of home placement early.”
But, those living with disabilities aren’t the only ones who are benefiting from this equipment. The ones caring for them are getting a great deal of help as well, having some relief from the physical activity that comes from helping those with disabilities complete daily tasks– like getting out of bed, or transferring from a wheelchair to another seat.
“It’s hard spiritually, mentally, and socially to be a caregiver. But, with that physical aspect, we want to help as much as we can through assistive technology… Any tools that we have to share with you that can help your loved one to transfer (from one place to another) independently, then that’s going to help you physically as well.”
If you’re in need of specialized assistive technology or any assistive equipment, you may be able to obtain it by filing a request and filling out a UCP online application, courtesy of the Elsie S. Bellows Fund.