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Helping Mobile Area Severely Disabled Project 2005

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Picture of child using head switch

This will be our third project year! Because of the generosity of ten Alabama foundations in the year 2004, we were able to help over 200 families with services and equipment that are not available from ADRS, Medicaid, or other agencies. Funding for medical equipment was recently cut for Children's Rehabilitation Services, a State agency. Mothers and fathers are constantly Animation of mother loading child in van injuring their backs by lifting their child in and out of bed, the car, or the bathtub.
The animation above shows a mother loading her child and the wheelchair. This is repeated several times a day, especially if the parents transport their child to and from school.Click here to see grandparents loading their granddaughter and three solutions. The little boy on the right is operating a computer using two switches.

Picture of child in playground

The school systems are unable to provide essential adaptive equipment to many of our disabled students. Last year we purchased educational-related assistive technology for 62 students of Mobile & Baldwin County, helped over 34 families with ramps and home accessibility, assisted in repair of 16 vans used to transport a person in a wheelchair, and many more.

Picture of children in playgroundThe goal of the project, each year, is to increase the quality of life for about 200 of our most needy citizens by increased independence, lessened number of injuries, better home safety, and raise their educational and vocational potential.


This project will assist low-income, quadriplegic, deaf, blind, and other severely disabled citizens by fully or partially funding the following:

- Building or funding materials for wheelchair ramps
- Computers and the necessary adaptations and training (screen reading software for the blind, voice or switch input for quadriplegics, educational oftware for special needs, and large monitors for low vision)
- Blind, deaf, and low vision equipment (large displays, text enlargement, Braille devices, personal FM loops, TTYs)
Picture of girl next to dog - Van repairs (that are used to transport a wheelchair) and modifications (hand controls, wheelchair lifts and restraint systems, raised roofs, and automatic door openers)
- Home modifications (door widening, roll-in showers, and grab bars)
- Switch-activated phones
- Wheelchairs, parts and repairs (arm rests, upholstery, tires, batteries,and electronics)
- Door openers with intercoms (increased home safety)
- Aids to daily living (ceiling mounted lifts, walkers, intercoms, bath bench, braces, vestibular swings, and special utensils)
- Other devices, or modifications of equipment or environment that will enhance the quality of life of a technology-dependent disabled citizen


Funds received as of August 2005 --- $73,000

Our Sincere Thanks to:

Picture of cute baby using switch toys Hearin-Chandler Foundation, Mobile, AL
A.S. Mitchell Foundation, Mobile, AL
Helen Glaze Foundation, Mobile, AL
Daniel Foundation, Birmingham, AL
Crampton Trust, Mobile, AL
Caring Foundation, Birmingham, AL

Cunningham Charitable Foundation, Mobile, AL
The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, Montgomery, AL
Click Here to see Press Release


This year we expect to help over 200 citizens. Below is a breakdown of targeted disabilities:

Picture of girl
  • Spinal Cord Injury - 50
  • Brain Injury - 20
  • Spina Bifida - 5
  • ALS - 3
  • Cerebral Palsy - 80
  • Multiple Sclerosis - 5
  • Muscular Dystrophy - 5
  • Blind/Low Vision - 15
  • Deaf - 15
  • Blind and Deaf - 2


  • Total number of people helped in calendar year 2003: 130

    Total number of people helped in calendar year 2004: 200

    Some project photos

    Picture of boy with spina bifida next to van Picture of boy next to van

    Picture of boy next to vanPicture of boy next to van









    This little boy was provided a folding ramp for his van. The ramp eliminates any lifting for his parents.

    Picture of child with cp in wheelchairPicture of father using ramp




    Mother & Child ready to go

    This child was provided a portable ramp. Now her parents can load and unload her in her wheelchair with no lifting.






    Picture of cute baby with cp using switch toys Picture of cute baby using switch toys Picture of cute baby using switch toys







    This little baby, shown with her physical therapist, was provided switches and switch toys.

    Picture of child with cp in wheelchairPicture of mother using ramp

    This child was provided a portable ramp. Now his mom can load and unload his power wheelchair with no lifting.

    Picture of child with cp in wheelchair
    This young student was provided software to be used with his communication device.

    Picture of girl with computer
    This woman was provided a desktop computer & printer.

    Picture of boy with computer
    This student has JRA and was provided a notebook computer & printer to help ease the pain from writing.

    Picture of quadriplegic on van lift
    This quadriplegic was provided a wheelchair lift for his van.

    Picture of college student holding computer Picture of college student in van








    This college student was provided a notebook computer & printer just in time for her first term paper.

    Picture of child rolling in van with ramp Picture child in van
    This child is being transported without the parents doing any lifting with the folding ramp and wheelchair tie downs.

    Picture of young man and family Picture of modified bathroom







    We partially funded modifications to this young man's bathroom to make it wheelchair usable. Notice the raised tub to allow a Hoyer lift to be used.

    Picture of child in wheelchair
    This young student was provided home modifications to make her home more wheelchair accessible.

    Picture of child in wheelchairLook of amazement
    This young student has been provided a touch monitor. She will use it at school then at home.





    Picture of children with laptops
    This student's laptop was repaired. His cousin is showing her Barbie laptop.

    Picture of man next to van
    We helped this man by funding the repair of his van.








    Picture of teenager with computer
    This student was provided a computer.

    Picture of college student with computer
    This college student, shown with a CRET member, was provided a home computer and printer. This will help minimize wrist pain caused by her JRA.

    Picture of woman with fax/printer
    This quadriplegic was provided a printer/Fax for her home business.

    Picture of paraplegic next to washer/dryer
    This paraplegic was provided a washer & dryer.

    Picture of man on scooter
    This man was provided a carrier for his motorized wheelchair.

    Picture of quadriplegic and roll-in shower
    This quadriplegic was provided bathroom modifications and a roll-in shower.

    Picture of quadriplegic and roll-in shower
    This college student was provided bathroom modifications and a roll-in shower.

    Picture of child using communication equipment Picture of child using communication device
    This child can now be taught cause-and-effect using these voice-output switches. Her speech therapist is teaching her face parts.

    Picture of student with computer
    This young student, shown with one of his teachers (and CRET member), was provided a notebook computer.

    Picture of student with computer
    This student, shown with our rehab engineer, his mom, and dad, was provided a notebook computer.

    Picture of teenager on van ramp Picture of teenager on van ramp
    Using her folding ramp, this teen can now be transported in her wheelchair, without having to be lifted into a seat.



    Picture of quadriplegic using voice activated computerQuadriplegic with voice activated computer
    This high level quadriplegic was provided a voice-activated computer system. Our Independent Living Specialist and Rehab Engineer are standing by.

    Picture of student with laptop Picture student typing on laptop
    This young student, shown with her mother and physical therapist, has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and can now produce writing assignments with less pain.

    Picture of child using Speech devices

    Child with grandpa
    This young student can now practice communication
    using two speech-output switches. Relaxing with grandpa after therapy.

    Picture of MarkalaPicture of Markala & brother
    Markala, sitting with brother, was provided a notebook computer. Markala is an Arthritis Foundation Spokesperson from Mobile, AL. She's also an applicant for the Oprah Winfrey Show.

    Picture of van with ramp Picture child going up van ramp Picture of child in van








    With this folding ramp, this young man's grandparents don't have to lift him and his chair in and out of the van.

    Picture of teen on hand-powered Bike
    This young man is having fun and getting exercise
    on his hand-powered bicycle.

    Picture of child using CCTV

    Brother looking on
    This young student can now read his books at home with his CCTV.
    His brother is standing ready to help.

    Picture of college student with laptop
    This college student was provided a notebook computer.

    Picture of child using notebook computer
    This young student is working with his vision teacher
    on his new notebook computer.

    Picture of teenager using notebook computer
    This student can now be more efficient at school and home
    with her notebook computer.

    Picture of student with laptop
    Student and his dad checking out his new notebook computer.

    Picture of teen using EZ Lock tie down
    This young man's wheelchair can now be locked into his van with his EZLock tiedown system without his grandmother having to attach and tighten four tie-down straps.

    Student with his teacher using notebook computer
    This student was provided a notebook computer for school and home.

    Man using lift chair
    This man was provided a lift chair using CRET funds.

    Student with his teacher using notebook computer
    Student and teacher. This student was provided a notebook computer for school and home.

    Student with his teacher using computerStudent using computer.
    This student is working with his teacher on his computer at home. His sister is waiting her turn.





    Picture of teen
    This college-bound student was provided a ramp to her home with CRET funds.

    Picture of Home addition
    This family's home was almost destroyed by hurricane Ivan. They used the FEMA combined with CRET funds to build an accessible home for their quadriplegic son.

    Picture of father with child in standerPicture of brother & sister

    Loving father with child in stander provided with CRET funds
    & little brother with sister.

    Picture of teen & bathroom
    This young man and his parents can now bathe safely & with less lifting. His father constructed the support frame.

    Picture of man at his computer
    Quadriplegic with computer provided with CRET funds. We were also able to help him with van repairs.

    Picture of student using CCTVPicture of student using CCTV
    Student using a Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) at school and using her own CCTV at home to enlarge her books & photos.

    Picture of student using computer with large monitor
    Student with low vision & her teacher doing her school work using a computer with a large monitor.

    Picture of student using laptop
    Student working with his teacher using a notebook computer provided with CRET funds.

    Picture of student using laptop
    Student working with our rehab engineer using a laptop provided with CRET funds.

    Picture of child with her new computer
    Student working with teacher using laptop.

    Picture of quadriplegic with his computer
    Home bound quadriplegic using his laptop computer.

    Picture of student at home with his new computer
    Student working on his computer at home.

    Picture of child with her new computer
    Autistic child with her new computer.

    Picture of child with teacher
    This child benefitted from a supportive swing.


    Picture of student with teacher
    This blind student, shown with one of his teachers, was provided specialized software to read the computer screen.

    Picture of student using laptop
    This low vision student was provided special software for her laptop.

    Picture of student using a laptop with an IntelliKeys keyboard
    Student using a laptop with an IntelliKeys keyTeam
    Both provided with CRET funds.

    Picture of student using portable CCTV
    Samantha using her portable CCTV to read.

    Picture of student
    This hearing impaired student was provided special attachments for his hearing aids that enhance his hearing.

    Picture of student using notebook computer
    This student was provided a notebook computer to allow her to write without wrist and finger pain and fatique. Her OT is checking wrist positioning.

    Picture of student using TTY

    This deaf student was provided a TTY to allow her to talk on the telephone.

    Picture of man with shower chair
    This quadriplegic was provided a shower wheelchair.

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