Jason Lilly’s future took a different direction his sophomore year of high school three years ago. An automobile accident on a busy street in Lincoln resulted in multiple inju-

ries. Jason’s brain injury, impaired vision, paralysis, and the need to use a wheelchair have not stopped him from looking ahead. Jason is making plans to attend Southeast Community College. Jason is interested in accounting and is experimenting with several assistive technologies that have potential to assist him a when he starts classes.
Jason lives with his parents and relied on their assistance for his personal care before ATP intervened. Jason was also unable to leave the house without assistance and he faced transportation problems.
The bathroom door in his parent’s home was too narrow for his wheelchair and once inside there was no room to maneuver. When ATP Technology Specialist Randy Stevens assessed the situation he discovered there was not adequate space to enlarge the door or the bathroom. Randy explains, “I recommended relocating Jason to a bedroom adjacent to the bathroom. By installing a pocket door

Jason is able to access the bathroom. I designed a roll-in shower with grab bars and Jason is able to use the accessible sink. It is installed in the corner to further maximize space.”
Transportation was a problem that impacted the entire Lilly family. The city’s door-to-door accessible service was booked when Jason needed transportation to therapy appointments. The service is not available in the evening and on weekends. Jason left only for essential appointments. His mother, Donna, had knee surgery and found it nearly impossible to push Jason up into

Left: Donna and Jason demonstrate the vehicle lift that has made a difference for the entire family. Above: Jason is more independent now that the sink in his bathroom is accessible.

their van using a steep portable ramp.
ATP Technology Specialist, David Altman describes, “When assessing for a vehicle modification, the consumer’s height, weight, and width of their wheelchair or scooter is considered. The vehicle model, age, and condition are also part of the assessment. In Jason’s case, the roof was raised to prevent him from hitting his head. I recommended the installation of a lift at the rear of the van

instead of the side. This eliminated the need to remove seating needed for the rest of the family. Safety is always a consideration. Tie downs and a shoulder harness were included in the project.”
The vehicle modifications have impacted the entire family. Donna says, “It
is now possible for our family to take
a vacation and visit family in Omaha.”
A wireless keypad installed on the garage door has also made a difference. Jason describes, “I can open and close the garage door whenever I want. I am able to visit a nearby shopping area with friends in my neighborhood whenever I want. Thanks to all the equipment and modifications, I have the capacity to do more things for myself, and I do not have to rely on my family.”
Jason’s modifications and assistive technology were funded by the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver, Aid to the Blind and Disabled, and Vocational Rehabilitation, Part B.

Brain Injury Network

Jason joined the statewide Traumatic Brain Injury Network. Individuals who experience a brain injury, their family members, and professionals have joined the Network to help increase awareness about brain injury and to educate lawmakers and policy makers about the services needed to help individuals return to work and school, and live independently. Jason is interested in helping expand services that can help individuals with brain injury and their families. For more information on the Network contact Nancy Noha at ATP, 402.471.3647.