An education in assistive technology

An education in assistive technology

The need for 24 volts and 3-5 amps does not appear to be a big ask. But require it, day in day out, for continuous mobility then it can be an important issue.

The charger for my chair ceased to function. Given that it has had a hard, demanding life, and has been self repaired at least a dozen times, I was not really perturbed when it went "on the blink" ~ even after the routine shaking and thumping. I had, at best, a partial charge before it was back to my manual wheel chair.

Replacements take time and considerable outlay ~ my object was to source a used replacement to keep me mobile. Detective work and considerable luck were the order of the day.

People who know people produced serendipitous results. In my case it led to Zachary at CReATE ~ a place where Utahns can get or donate used mobility assistive technology (devices used to enhance independence and improve quality of life). What a workshop of creative people, with great aims and ideals.

CReATE defines a challenge and comes up with a solution with the user in mind. Whether it is a rebuild, or an innovation, it is all covered. My personal feeling is that it is a quiet oasis of hope for many who as yet may know little of its existence.

In a short time, Zachary had remedied my challenges, introduced me to researchers in related fields, including farm machinery adaptation, and started a dream-building exercise of what might be. From a user's point of view I have found a gold mine, one which is deserving of my continued support and promotion.

CReATE (Judy Ann Buffmire Building)

1595 West 500 South

Salt Lake City UT 84104

801 887 9398

www.uatpat.org/CReATE/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~