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CONSUMER PROFILE

Christine Heine

NAME: Christine Heine

AGE: 35

OCCUPATION: Teacher, Omaha South High School

FUNDING SOURCE: Funding for technologies utilized at work and for transportation were funded by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Funding for the transportation (a high tech, computerized driving system designed for vehicles that allows control of gas, brake and steering functions with a single joystick) was determined necessary to keep the consumer working and independent in the community.

Christine was one of many ATP consumers assisted through VR funds. To learn more about VR Title I types of referrals see the “2007 Vocational Rehabilitation Title I Referrals” chart on page 3.

Christine, From Page 1.

sis, a term used to describe multiple joint contractures (curved or hooked joints) present at birth. She uses a wheelchair and needs assistance with her daily living activities.
In 1999 Christine was referred to ATP to help determine a solution for independent transportation and again in 2005 for assistance with her job tasks. ATP continues to help Christine achieve her goal of remaining independent at work and in her community.
In order to minimize the amount
of physical stress on Christine’s body when writing, keyboarding, operating the computer mouse, and manipulating papers, alternative techniques and assistive technology are needed. In my interview with Christine, we will describe some of the services she has received from ATP.

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINE

ATP: In 1999 you were finishing post-graduate work. Where did you attend school?

CHRISTINE: I attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1999. I received my Masters in Science Education in the CADRE program (Career Advancement and Development for Recruits and Experienced Teachers).

ATP: How did you get to and from classes?

CHRISTINE: I have a fully adapted van with special controls (computerized technology), which allowed(s) me to get to school.

ATP: Did you use any assistive devices during class?

CHRISTINE: In college I lived on Creighton’s campus in a residence hall. Creighton was kind enough to install

remote controls, which I used to open doors and turn on/off air conditioning/heating.

ATP: In order to drive your adapted vehicle, you had to take a 30-hour training course. How was the training provided?

CHRISTINE: Training for the driving system was broken up over several weeks. Training began in parking lots of Glenwood, Iowa and slowly progressed to streets. After about two weeks I began highway driving at which time I eventually drove to Omaha to conquer Dodge Street. My van is equipped with a joystick (similar to my electric wheelchair), which controls gas and brake and left/right movement. It also has a computer screen which controls all primary functions (i.e. P,R,N,D). I use a pointer with my mouth to punch the computer screen buttons. A headrest contains a button, which controls all secondary functions (heat, windows, turn signals).

ATP: You had expressed the desire to move out of your parents’ home to be more independent once you started your job. Did this goal happen for you?

CHRISTINE: I recently married and now live in a house we built. Our home is fully accommodated for me. Open floor plan, large walk-in shower, 36” doorways and tall potties. The transition was fairly easy. Our builder was great to work with.

ATP: From 1999-2005 you used the Digidrive, are you still using the same vehicle?

CHRISTINE: I received a new van last October. Similar but updated driving system.

ATP: Can you describe for me overall how the new driving system impacts

See Christine, page 3.
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