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adaptive equipment

Assistive Technology and Me

Posted on by Paige Mador

The following article was written by Andrew with help from the manager of his program.  Andrew lives in a Venture residence in Worcester County and wanted to share his experience with using assistive technology.

Every day, I rely on assistive technology.  I use an overhead barrier-free lift system to get out of bed in the morning.  I then use my customized wheelchair to successfully complete my morning routines before leaving for work.  To get to work, I ride in a customized van.  The van lifts me off the ground and into the van with staff assistance.   When I was younger, all of these things – getting out of bed, getting into my wheelchair, and getting into any mode of transportation – were done by people lifting me.  When people lift you, it can be really scary and sometimes I was injured.  I have not gotten injured since I started using mechanical lifts and I feel much more comfortable.

In April 2017, I wanted to begin doing some races, but wasn’t sure I would be able to.  However, I did not realize that specialized running wheelchairs are available.  The first time I saw the running chair, I was a bit nervous.  I thought, “It doesn’t look like any other chair I have ever used.”  It only has three wheels – two in the back and one in the front.

I was very lucky to meet the team of individuals who designed and built these running chairs, and they explained aerodynamics to me.  Until that moment, I had never realized the importance of science in assistive technology.

When I participate in races with the assistance of Team Hoyt New England runners, I am sitting in an aerodynamically correct position for both my physical needs and for the person who is pushing me – amazing!  Later this summer, I will be learning to sail on a sailboat that has been fitted with assistive lifts to get in and out of the boat, and a rudder that has been adapted for me to use.  I can’t wait… And I am no longer scared of trying any new assistive technology!

Assistive Technology Partnership

Posted on by Paige Mador

Assistive Technology can best be described as a variety of items which can help an individual work around functional limitations imposed by a disability.  Some of these items include wheelchairs with adaptive trays to hold a person’s iPad, a brace for a person to be able to hold an eating utensil, a built-up handle of a spoon, or a communication device.  These items are essential to improving the quality of life and level of independence for people with disabilities.  Other examples of such equipment might be lifts, swings, tricycles, tablets, computer software, shower chairs, specialty writing utensils and so much more. These items can help individuals with mobility, communication, sensory, recreational, or social needs.

With the increasing specialized needs of the individuals we support, Venture has developed an Assistive Technology Committee to help effectively meet these needs.  Key employees have been attending conferences and trainings to learn how to develop a program that will help assist individuals access the resources available.  Currently, the committee is in the process of conducting assessments to determine what equipment would be most helpful to the individuals in our programs.

In keeping with our mission to enrich the lives of those we serve, we are very proud to announce our partnership with Tantasqua Regional Vocational High School in their commitment to assist people in their community by creating individualized and innovative assistive technology.  This fall, we will be working with Ray Rousseau from the Manufacturing Department and Bruce Tranter from the Computer Technology Department to assist us in developing creative approaches.  We are looking forward to teaming up to expand our services and we are thankful to the many students who will be dedicated to helping with these projects.  Stay tuned for updates!

First Inclusive Water Park

Posted on by Paige Mador

Morgan’s Wonderland, the country’s most accessible theme park, has opened the world’s first inclusive water park.  Morgan’s Inspiration Island offers the excitement and fun of a water park to children and adults of all abilities, and offers complimentary waterproof wheelchairs (including air-powered power wheelchairs), warm-water splash pad, beautiful interactive water playgrounds, cabanas for relaxing, and a river boat ride.  Spacious accessible changing rooms, reasonable ticket prices, sensory-friendly environments, and handicapped-accessible everything make this water park an incredible experience for everyone – especially those who haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy an amusement park due to physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, ambulation difficulties, or medical conditions.  Admission for those with disabilities is free of charge.  This park has truly thought of everything!

The park’s creator, Gordon Hartman, is a philanthropist who created the amusement park and water park after being inspired by his daughter Morgan, who has developmental disabilities.  In addition to funding the parks, the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation offers grants to organizations that help people with special needs.  Let’s hope that others around the country take the lead of Morgan’s Wonderland and make recreational opportunities available for everyone!

For more information, check out their video.

Venture’s Newest Program

Posted on by Paige Mador

Venture Community Services strives to empower individuals with disabilities by providing them with resources and support in community-based residences across Massachusetts.  Through innovative practices, expertly trained staff, and cutting-edge facilities, we provide opportunities to those we support by helping them navigate the path toward self-determination.  Staff members teach skills in most areas of daily living, including personal care, medication management, meal preparation, budgeting, safety, public transportation, emotional and physical wellness, access to community services, recreational activities, and job coaching.  Venture also offers clinical services that assist each individual in reaching their goals.

In October 2015, Venture will open a program that has been custom-built for the population it will support.  Despite the development being partially funded by state contracts, which has been a successful model for Venture in the past, there are further upgrades and additions that will improve the quality of life for residents.  Although the state contracts fund necessities like cookware, couches, and microwave, there are still many items that cannot be accommodated.  Items such as a Smart Board, Wii gaming system, sound system with headphones, basketball hoop, exercise equipment and swing can provide recreational opportunities while meeting the sensory needs of the individuals.  It is our goal to provide an environment in which these individuals will thrive.  Therefore, during the process of completing this new home, Venture will be working to secure funding from private sources that will assist in making this facility the best environment possible for these individuals.

Venture has identified four young men who will be moving into the new program and exploring their independence for the first time.  Our multidisciplinary team of medical professionals and clinicians work together with the individual, their guardians, physicians, and service coordinator to develop an individualized plan for each person based upon their unique needs and interests.  Venture is looking forward to offering these young men the opportunity to have a home they can call their own.  Like many people in their early twenties, they are eager to start their lives independently of their parents and families, begin to explore the world around them, make decisions about their own lives and discover who they are.

If you are interested in helping Venture to prepare the home for its new residents with either a monetary or in-kind donation, please contact Paige Billings at (774) 922-1135 or pbillings@venturecs.org.