Each November we make a point of promoting Assistive Technology Awareness Month in general—and UCP’s Assistive Technology Services in particular. We do so because we know firsthand the many ways these devices and services truly do change lives. But the really cool part is being able to share with our supporters the impact this specialized technology can have in the lives of real people using real equipment to do things they otherwise would not be able to do. Today we are excited to feature two such “success stories:”

Jessica R is the mother of 3 ½ year old Emily who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome prenatally. Jess first learned about the Changing Hands equipment reuse program through two privately contracted Early Intervention professionals—Emily’s Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist. She said Changing Hands was recommended as “the place to turn for any assistive technology needs we may have, now or down the road.”

The family first received a Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer for Emily when she was just two years old. The purpose of the pediatric Gait Trainer is to support children with a wide range of mobility issues, especially those who cannot hold onto a walker or stand upright without support. While the Pacer challenges her to walk more and sit less, it is mostly limited to indoor use because of its inability to traverse uneven surfaces. Over time, it began to limit Emily’s ability to play outside with her peers. So the family returned to Changing Hands, where they were able to secure a Pony Gait Trainer that Emily is able to use more like how a bike would be ridden. The Pony enables Emily to be active outdoors, “drive up” and play with her toys while in it, and then walk away when she is ready for something new.

Both pieces of equipment have allowed Emily to make progress in learning to walk and to better participate in activities with the family in the way she wants. The fact that the equipment was free of charge means the family can use various pieces of equipment and change them out as Emily’s needs change without having to pay the significant cost associated with each piece. Just as important, Jess said she loves the idea that as Emily continues to grow—and outgrow her current equipment—they can return it to Changing Hands to be recycled and reused—and enjoyed by other children just as it was by Emily.

Delilah N. is a delightful, intelligent 24-year-old who is an avid reader and gamer. Her mother Irma said she first heard about Changing Hands from a neighbor and then through their contact at the AmeriHealth waiver program. She reached out to UCP looking for ways to help Delilah—who was diagnosed with Aspergers’ at age three—better connect, engage, and interact with the world around her.

When they visited Changing Hands, they found not only a variety of technology and tools, but also a caring Assistive Technology Specialist in Cyrena T. who was able to provide technical support and resources. As Irma explained, “What we found in Cyrena was a wealth of information not only on Changing Hands, but on all kinds of available assistive technology programs. She has been so helpful to us.” Case in point, Irma said they ran into an issue pairing the Trew Grip keyboard with Delilah’s phone, so Cyrena has placed a call to tech support to help troubleshoot the issue. The smile in Delilah’s eyes when she experimented with the specialized keyboard said it all:  she has better control of her hand movements and ultimately improved function of the phone or tablet she pairs it with.

Irma and Delilah have also been able to secure a rolling walker through the Changing Hands equipment reuse program. As with all Changing Hands items, the walker was provided free of charge.

As these stories show, the AT equipment our staff refurbishes and recycles back out into the community enhances independence and improves lives for Pennsylvanians of all ages and with all types of conditions or diagnoses. Over the course of the past 16 years, Changing Hands has refurbished and recycled just shy of 8,000 items with an approximate total value of $4,400,000. Further proof that Changing Hands changes lives.

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.