A grant of $200,000
from the Enrichment Foundation is continuing to make a difference
for individuals with disabilities in Douglas and Sarpy county.
Cathy Hayes, ATP Funding Coordinating describes, “Funding
sources often have a maximum amount that an individual can receive.
Therefore, many consumers will need assistance from more than one
source. I review a consumer’s application and determine their
eligibility for programs that could provide funding for their request.
It is a package deal, and without total funding we are not able
to assist the individual. Thanks to the Enrichment Foundation, individuals
are provided the money often needed to close the gap. The Foundation
has also been able to assist with services that have limited funding,
such as evaluations and repairs.”
ATP initially worked with Janet Hunter of Omaha in 1998. The pain
from bursitis and tendonitis made it difficult for her to get dressed.
ATP recommended several assistive devices to help Janet be independent.
Elastic shoestrings eliminated having to tie her shoes. Long handles
on a shoehorn and sponge eliminated assistance from caregivers.
A hands-free magnifier with a light helped Janet with reading and
writing following cataract surgery.
As Janet’s abilities have changed over the years, she has
continued to rely on ATP’s assistance to identify solutions
for a number of barriers that have come up.
In 1999 ATP returned to identify a solution for transporting Janet’s |
Janet on her incline stair lift, one of several
At devices janet uses.
scooter. A lift was installed at the back end of
her car. Janet drives her scooter onto the lowered platform, moves
the control lever to the up position, and the lift automatically
raises and locks the scooter.
In 2006, last year, Cathy Hayes, ATP Funding Coordinator referred
Janet for a home assessment. Janet needed a way to get up the stairs
to her second floor bedroom and bathroom. Cathy says, “Janet
has a history of falling. It was important we respond quickly and
not jeopardize her ability to continue to live in her home. I determined
Janet was not eligible for funding sources that assisted her in
the past, and at this time the Enrichment Foundation was the best
fit.”
During Janet’s home assessment, Doug
|
Fox, ATP Technology Specialist says, “ I explored
the possibility of installing an incline stair lift. I first measured
the stairs. They needed to be wide enough to mount the lift to the
stair treads and there needed to be adequate room for the track
to come all the way to the top of the stairs. I also inspected the
stairs to determine if they were in good condition. I met with Janet
to determine if she would be able to transfer onto the seat, could
she bend her knees and put her feet on the footplate, and did she
have the dexterity to maintain constant pressure on the up/down
control.”
During Doug’s visit he discovered that Janet’s exterior
lift was not working properly and needed repairs. He contacted Cathy,
and the Enrichment Foundation funded the cost of repairs to make
the lift operational again. Thanks to the quick response and availability
of $3,300 from the Enrichment Foundation grant, Janet has safe access
outside and inside her home.
Janet says, “I enjoyed working with Doug. He kept the process
going and worked with the vendor until the installation was complete.
My instability is caused by 13 surgeries on one of my knees and
my doctors advised me to stay away from stairs. The technology has
a made an enormous difference. I am thankful I have the ability
to be self-sufficient and safe in my home. My groceries ride along
with me on the lift when I return from the store. I do not need
anyone to help me get them from the car to my kitchen.” |
