CIL of Northwest Florida provided funding for replacing batteries on a power wheelchair for a teenager. Hunter said “I am independent now, Mom”!
From Roseann, mother of consumer Hunter:
“As a parent to a child who has many health concerns, completing daily living skills can be a difficult task. That is until I was introduced to the Center for Independent Living. The people here assist anyone with a disability in any way they can. Not only did they get my son’s battery operated wheelchair up and running, but they also purchased a shower chair that was able to fit in my tub perfectly!!”
“I’m taking a shower like the big kids!” added Hunter.
Roseann stated “the services Hunter received not only has had an effect on him, it has decreased the intensity of the labor involved in the crucial care I provide for my son, which has now been turned into an effortless, uncomplicated and manageable job.”
Chance Tripp is a young child with a disability. He is very expressive. He is always talking but we do not understand what he is saying. Essentially, he is a non-verbal, but wants to be a good communicator. He has been trying hard lately to say words. He is extremely affectionate and very silly. He is a happy boy. His mom suspected he was autistic. He was about 6 months old when she started to realize he might have a disability. As he started to develop and his language was starting to form, he would say a word and then never say it again. We knew something was not quite right. Chance’s doctor diagnosed him with autism in February this year. He put him on a non-stimulant medication to help calm him and keep him focused. He is extremely busy so the medication was to help him absorb more information and be calmer. The medication is working. It is just a noticeable difference, but a difference. He observes more and is not all over the place anymore. His mom is working hard to get more of his language skills down before school in August. She is hopeful that he will be able to communicate with her about his day and any issues he may encounter. Chances mom says, Autism is challenging. She does not know what she is doing but it is an absolute joy to have Chance as her son. He is just fun and interesting and life would not be the same without him in it.
She says the CIL of Northwest Florida and FAAST programs have been extremely helpful, and did not make it hard to do either. She wanted to say “thank you” and if she could play a role by informing the public about resources that in supporting their children, then sharing her story is a pleasure to do.
Noah is currently a student in a transition program for youth who will be transitioning from High School to College or Employment. He is currently in an employment program to learn needed job skills. His Job Coach is with Project Search and has been having the students try out assistive technology they may need as reasonable accommodations at a job. Noah is pictured with the Big Key Keyboard and using the Koolerton Portable Digital Video Magnifier. He told us he will definitely want to use these devices in the future. In fact his job coach is seeking to have them purchased through Vocational Rehabilitation.