UCP Assistive Technology Program Manager Jackie Wardle bounded into the Community Relations office and with great exuberance, asked “Got time to take some pictures?” Then she proceeded to describe the purpose of the proposed photo opp: to recognize Messiah Lifeways, a local network of senior services and residential communities, for their recent donation of 16 manual wheelchairs to UCP’s Changing Hands equipment reuse program. The chairs were either left behind or no longer of use to members of the Lifeways community. But in Jackie’s hands, they would prove to be life-changing gifts to 16 other individuals or families in need.

Jackie led the way down the hall, to the furthest corner of the Changing Hands storage area, where she proudly pointed to the collection of chairs. “Do you want the picture with or without me?” she asked. “With you, of course,” was the reply. So she finessed and finagled her way to the center of the space, surveyed the tight grouping of chairs, smiled broadly, and declared “Nothing puts a smile on my face like a bunch of chairs!”

That simple truth describes Jackie’s wholehearted commitment to her work, which also became her cause: to do everything in her power to provide the equipment, devices, technology, and training that has enhanced the lives of individuals and families across Central Pennsylvania for more than three decades.

A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE

We have all enjoyed Jackie’s energy and enthusiasm for assistive technology. Throughout her 35 years with UCP, Jackie brought not only increased independence—but also countless smiles–to thousands of participants and their families. That is why it saddens us to report that just as this story was being finalized, Jackie made the decision to move on to a new chapter in her life. Please join us in wishing her nothing but the best as she wraps up her time with us and transitions to her next endeavor. Her last day at UCP will be August 6.

Much as she will be missed, Jackie leaves behind a legacy of commitment to secure the technology needed to help others be more independent and more successful at work, school, home, and play, as well as out in the community. With Changing Hands, Jackie brought to life an idea for a service that was sorely needed throughout Pennsylvania: a different kind of recycling opportunity. Changing Hands provides restored and refurbished home medical equipment or AT devices to Pennsylvanians with limited insurance coverage or financial resources. All equipment is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. All is provided free of charge.

Since its inception in 2005, Changing Hands has recycled and redistributed nearly 8,000 assistive devices and pieces of equipment back into the community. While we have estimated the approximate total dollar value of these items to be over $4.3 million, we’re pretty sure the recipients would say they are priceless.

Help us create new life for used equipment… and enhance the life of another… at the same time.

Changing Hands accepts donations from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations looking to find a new home for items they can no longer use. If you have home medical equipment or an AT device that has served your purpose… but still has a lot of life left in it… please consider donating it to Changing Hands. 

Tell them Jackie sent you.

DONATE EQUIPMENT

Changing Hands is an equipment exchange and reuse program of UCP Central PA that is supported in part by TECHOWL. TECHOWL is the Commonwealth’s Assistive Technology Act Program at the Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, and is funded through a grant from the Administration on Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Changing Hands program is a participant in the Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP), a program of TECHOWL.