Michelle - Manual Wheelchair

Marilyn - Van Modifications

Pete - Segway Seat & Ramp

George - Van Modifications

Darrin - Van Modifications

Anita - Transfer Seat

Greg - Hand Controls

John - Prosthetic Leg

Bonnie - Van Lift

Roger - Van Lift

Jennifer - Van Lift

Lynn - Van Modifications

Bradley - Power Wheelchair

Patrick - Power Chair Lift

Rick - Hand Controls

Ed  - Accessible Van

Jerry - Wheelchair

Debra - Lift for Van

Increasing Hours, Skills, and Work

Central Point resident Michelle called Mobility Unlimited in need of a replacement manual wheelchair that was not covered by insurance.  Michelle works at PacificSource and at HeadStart and uses her new chair to continue employment and remain self-sufficient.  

With her new chair, Michelle is excited to "work more hours, learn more skills, and get more work done at both jobs".

An unanticipated project outcome was this project solidified the decision of  PacificSource to remain a Mobility Unlimited Bridge the Gap Run/Walk 2009 event sponsor during times of corporate cut-backs! 

"We want to work and have significance in our lives"

Marilyn explains the struggle of living with mobility barriers,  "Last year it was really hard to know whether I'd be able to get to where I needed to be and I wouldn't want to even bother trying (to get places).  I was caught out and in (my van when it broke down) at times when businesses weren't open to get help.  It's frustrating to have enormously large hurdles to go through."

Marilyn was funded by Mobility Unlimited for van modifications.  She has been employed as a case worker for 11 years at DHS with the Seniors & People with Disabilities department and is an active board member of her local independent living center.

Now, Marilyn's life has radically changed.  "Places are 'accessible' but you need a power chair and a van to be able to get up in the morning and get out and about so you can get to work and enjoy your job and be appreciated.  We want to work and have significance in our lives. With my new van, I've now gained mobility.  I'm able to do more and I have more energy to do it."

Seeing Eye to Eye

Mobility Unlimited helped out Pete by funding a Segway Seat and Ramp.  Mobility and independence for Pete is not just getting from point A to B at his work's 8-building campus.  The Segway not only makes him mobile, but it allows him to stand upright and really connect with people emotionally and physically, truly seeing eye to eye.  Pete is now able to continue to make a difference in the lives of his clients at work and the children he tutors.    

The Segway is a new mobility device that is two-wheeled, self balancing, and electric powered.  Pete feels very comfortable and safe using the Segway because it balances on its own.  He can use his Segway, hands free and independently, by being able to operate the device simply by leaning in the direction he desires to travel.     

Spending More Time Working

George Hamilton talks about how his quality of life has improved.  “Without a doubt.  It's just a huge, huge difference.”  George Hamilton works at OHSU and was awarded an automated back door of vehicle suspension adjustment by Mobility Unlimited. 

“I have really gone into more spaces than I had gone before.  I feel very empowered to stay out there and keep on going.  I actually have been getting out on more project sites where we are doing work for the university, like the new student union.  I'm spending more time at the school working.”

Thank You from Darrin

I cannot thank Mobility Unlimited enough! I myself do not have a lot, but if you include family and friends I am filthy rich.  As a job developer for vocational rehabilitation, I now will be able to go out and find employment for people that are disabled. I am also an advocacy rep for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Oregon Chapter and now will be able to meet the people all over Eastern Oregon.  I now can travel to get my mediation training so I can become a federal mediator for the ADA.

Here is a picture of me with my van, my vocational rehab counselor and the guys at R&J Mobility. 

Thank You so Very Much for Your Contribution

Darrin Umbarger
Pendleton, Oregon

Receptionist Receives Van Modifications

Anita Cox is more than just self-sufficient these days. “I know I will get to work on time and can leave when I’m through with my work. Now I make my appointments and personal activities schedule according to what is convenient for me rather than inconveniencing others for a ride,” stated Cox on her recent project 3-month follow-up survey. “I am independent now!”

Married with Children

With two teenage daughters nearing college age, Greg Chandler’s income to support his wife and family are vital to his emotional and financial well being.  “My van was old and worn out.  I need a van to get to work to be able to support my family.” 

While Greg was able to obtain the van chassis from another source, Mobility Unlimited funded hand controls, transfer seat base, a gas and brake guard, and a parking break extension.  The funding for the hand controls was a result of a grant award Mobility Unlimited had received from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. 

Employed with the State of Oregon, Greg has worked as a program manager for the past 15 years.  He currently works 40 hours per week.  “What a difference this has made for me and my family,” stated Greg during this photo shoot.  Way to go, Greg.  Keep up the good work!

Trucker Stands on New Leg

“It’s got a spring to it that I’ll get used to,” stated truck driver John Franklin after hitting the road the first day after receiving his new below- the- knee prosthetic. Standing in the rain by his big rig and gearing up mentally to head up over Siskiyou Pass in the snow, John shared his story with Glory Cooper, Executive Director of Mobility Unlimited.  “You guys came to my rescue when no one else would.  Even though I work full-time, I had no where near the money needed for this new leg.  My insurance called it a pre-existing condition and therefore it’s not covered. I am extremely grateful for Mobility Unlimited.  Thank you for allowing me to keep on truckin’!”

John’s five year goal is to acquire more trucks and eventually own his own trucking company. He is married with six children and five grandchildren.

What my independence means to me

By Bonnie Seibert- Gaulton

I am a licensed clinical social worker by trade.  I have spent the greater part of my life working with many people striving to be the best that they can be.  The range spanned from small children learning how to be successful in school, to adult parents working to kick their drug habits so they could be better parents.  I have been in the prestigious homes of the privileged to the ghettos of San Diego.  I have traveled around the county lecturing teachers on how to help their students.  I was always zipping around somewhere.

Then I found myself battling to be the best I can be while fighting the multiple sclerosis that has attacked my body.  Despite my relentless exercising, yoga classes, daily shots and medications, I found myself being stuck.  I was stuck in my chair, stuck in my house, and stuck in my life.  How did I go from being a productive, active contributing member of society to one living within the four walls of my house?  Lack of mobility and depression struck hard.  I couldn’t get to where I needed to go from work to being an active part of my children’s lives, to a simple task like going to the grocery story.  So, I was dealing with the loss of not only my body, but of my work identity, my identity of being a parent, and of myself.

Family Man Receives Funding for Wheelchair Lift

“Working individuals with disabilities live richer, healthier lives and your goal of helping the physically disabled to maintain their employment is critically important,” states Mobility Unlimited funding recipient Roger Frank. “Productive paid employment Greatly adds meaning, purpose, and self-worth whether a person is disabled or not.”

At age 19, Roger fell from the top of a swimming pool slide and broke his neck at the C 6-7 level. He has been a wheelchair user ever since. “In my own situation, your funding allows me to continue to drive myself to and from work each day. In doing so, it enables me to stay employed and productively engaged for many years to come. Thank you for funding my project,” writes Roger in a thank you note to Mobility Unlimited.

In May 2007, through Mobility Unlimited’s Mobility to Employment Program, Roger was approved for a new Rincon Platform lift for his van which will enable him to safely transport his power wheelchair to and from the workplace. He also received funding for a new transfer seat base.

Wheelin’ in the New Year!

Jennifer Beck, Eagle Point has new wheels for the New Year and a new job already lined up. “This is the best set-up I’ve ever had,” stated Jennifer, who has Brittle Bones. “Thank you.”Mobility Unlimited received $700 in community donations towards a new wheel chair lift for Jennifer’s van- intended to replace her old dangerous cargo lift not meant for wheelchairs.

Delightedly, Mobility Unlimited also received a call from an Ashland couple who wanted to see Jennifer in a newer vehicle rather than the old beater that would get the newer lift. The anonymous couple was willing to generously donate the van portion of the 1991 Dodge Ram 250 directly to Jennifer Beck.

Mobility Unlimited was able to partner with the local office of Vocational Rehabilitation to fund the already installed, like-new, Braun Vangator II remote lift system from the couple. A grant from the Reed & Carolee Walker Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation also provided funding towards the project which included a wheelchair locking tie-down system.

“The lower miles on the donated vehicle portion of the package (82,000) compared to Jennifer’s old 1979 with nearly 140,000 miles made the decision a no-brainer and enabled us to better leverage the monies spent,” stated Glory Cooper, the agencies executive director. “It was a very happy ending indeed.”

Lynn
Lynn, 57, and a grandmother of two teens, was able to secure a personal loan for her new 2006 Toyota Sienna van which left her searching for funding for her necessary van modifications. Lynn, a Eugene resident, works at Lane Independent Living Alliance as a Services Manager. She suffers from two neuromuscular disabilities that effect balance, coordination and muscle strength. She heard about Mobility Unlimited through a presentation held at LILA by Susie Merrill, Client Services Director at Mobility Unlimited. Lynn was excited to hear that she met the basic criteria (working or in a job training program) and submitted an application for assistance with her van modifications. “My old system was becoming more and more difficult to physically deal with. Plus the lift didn’t always work- the situation was dangerous,” states Lynn. She had already secured partial funding from Voc Rehab for her project which was perfect because Mobility Unlimited requires that prospective clients exhaust all other resources available to them and must document such on their application.

On Friday, October 13, 2006, Lynn drove away from MPJ Mobility in Springfield with her new van and her new modifications. Lynn’s project is another example of how two agencies and a private party can come together to make things happen. Congratulations Lynn!

A True Thanksgiving for Mark

Medford resident Mark Towery is happy as a clam. “If I need to go the store to just get some milk I can now do that without paying for a cab or begging for a ride,” Towery recently shared with Glory Cooper, executive director of Mobility Unlimited. “I have full independence to the best of my ability.”

Through the help of community donations, The Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, and The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Mobility Unlimited once again was able to leverage funding for one of its most expensive projects ever.

Mark, who works as a receptionist at Ridgeview Assisted Living, has MS and had been saving years for a means of transportation that he could call his own and not have to rely on others. Once he had the van Mobility Unlimited was able to come in and provide funding for all the necessary modifications. Having a floor dropped to accommodate a wheelchair for a taller person requires working with vendors from outside the state. This took time and a whole lot of patience on Mark’s end. Now, Mark has a full VMI Summit Conversion with automatic fold down ramp, a power sliding door, hand controls, transfer seat, and remote entry. Happy Thanksgiving Mark and we’ll see you as client guest speaker at our 6th annual Art, Wine, & etc…Auction on March 3, 2007!

Faster Bradley, Faster!

Bradley contacted Mobility Unlimited in late August, 2005.  His physical therapist at Good Sam Hospital in Portland had heard about Mobility Unlimited and how they help physically disabled working adults with durable medical equipment.  So, he placed a call and connected immediately with Susie Merrill, client services director for Mobility Unlimited.

Bradley was working at Garten Services, Inc, in Salem as a paper sorter and shredder, so he totally qualified for the services of Mobility Unlimited.   He has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsey and was using a quad (four- pronged) cane.  His doctor told Bradley he needed a power wheelchair.  Luckily, Mobility Unlimited could help him achieve mobility independence by assisting him with the power chair.  Even though Bradley works, he has no private health insurance.  Like many clients of Mobility Unlimited, his Medicaid policy does not cover the cost of power wheelchairs.

Working with vendor Care Medical in Salem, Bradley received his new Jet 3 Ultra on October 21, 2005- only two months after applying with Mobility Unlimited. Now that’s a solution for today!  Good luck, Bradley!

Brookings man gets a “lift”

Patrick Hoch, Brookings resident and quadriplegic, will soon be back to work as a substitute teacher at Kalmiopsis Elementary School thanks to Medford non profit agency Mobility Unlimited.  “I am just elated that I received this gift from Mobility Unlimited.  No one else would return my calls.  I was getting desperate.  The wheelchair lift in my van was practically taped together and I was worried it would come crashing down on my kids.  My medical insurance doesn’t cover van adaptations and I didn’t have the money to pay for a new lift. If I lost my lift I wouldn’t be able to work to support my family.”

 Doug Brewer, owner and technician of Auto Mobility in Roseburg had seen enough.  He told Patrick he could no longer do temporary fixes on Patrick’s van. It was getting too dangerous.  He needed a new wheelchair lift and he needed one now.  Doug knew about Mobility Unlimited in Medford and how they helped working adults with mobility equipment.  “Patrick fit our criteria perfectly,” states Susie Merrill, client services director of Mobility Unlimited.  “He was a working Oregonian, over 18, physically disabled, and needed mobility equipment.  We could help him maintain employment.”

 Hoch was in an automobile accident in 1988 that left him with a spinal cord injury.  “I always hated to lose, fail, or make mistakes. Prior to my accident I was a professional bowler and a fishing guide on the Deschutes River.  I don’t believe in giving up. My family counts on my independence.  I still go bowling and I’ll be going elk hunting in November.”

 Patrick received his new Rincon lift on October 24, 2005.

He has been married to wife Teresa for 8 years.  They are raising two children together. He is a retired conductor and yard engineer for Union Pacific Railroad and currently is a substitute teacher with the Brookings School District

Rick Norman is Drivin' Again

In November of 2004, Rick Norman, a former member of Team Pinto Racing Team, was seriously injured in an ATV accident that left him paralyzed from the hips down. Stuck inside the house, Rick contacted Mobility Unlimited in February 2005. He needed assistance in paying for hand controls for his car. He wanted his life back.

Prior to his accident Rick was very active in his community. He was a little league coach and on the board of director’s for Gold Valley Little League. His love of fishing the wonderful rivers and lakes in Oregon still remains a passion- one that he will be able to again pursue now that he can get around- something most of us take for granted.

Rick owned his transmission shop, and was looking forward returning to the shop and offering his consulting services. During a recent interview with Rick, he shared the following excitement, “I look so forward to getting out and being independent and returning to the workforce.” Well, Rick can do that now because on May 12 Rick received his hand controls. “Thanks you guys,” said a smiling Rick. “I’m headed over to the shop. I want to start ASAP.” And, off he went!

Ed - Wheelchair Accessible Van

Thanks to the combined forces of two Oregon agencies that assist disabled working adults, longtime Portland area resident and quadriplegic Ed Kerns is back to the business of tree planting along the Springwater Corridor within the Lents neighborhood- a project he started over ten years ago.  “Just in time too.  My old van had 320,000 miles on it and was 20 years old and rusting out terribly.  It died just before my new van was completed,” says Kerns in a thank you email to Mobility Unlimited of Medford.   

Kerns, who is paralyzed from the chest down due to a spinal cord injury, was not about to be stuck at home shackled to his wheelchair.  As an environmental consultant, he works with kids from challenged neighborhoods who volunteer for him – kids from schools like Clinton Kelly Elementary and Marshall High. There were sites to prepare, trees to plant, and he needed to keep on rolling. His “kids” depend on him.  But, his 1985 Dodge Caravan was in such a sad state of decay that even his lifelong mechanic, David Hodge, advised that he would no longer be able to work on the van.  Ed would have to get a replacement van and in Ed’s case, that meant not just any van, but a fully equipped, wheelchair accessible van with a motorized lift and special hand controls so he could continue working and maintaining his independence.  The cost was enormous-over $50,000 and way out of range for Ed’s meager budget. 

Ed contacted Mobility Unlimited, a non-profit organization in Medford that assists physically disabled working adults with mobility equipment.  “Ed fit our criteria perfectly,” says Glory Cooper, Executive Director of Mobility Unlimited.  “He was an adult, a resident of Oregon, was working, and needed mobility equipment; the only challenge was that he didn’t have a safe, reliable van to equip.”   Cooper went on to say, “Unfortunately, transportation is a major hurdle for the physically disabled- especially in severe cases such as Ed’s. Mobility Unlimited committed to initial funding and agreed to spearhead the project.  The balance of funding had to come from another source and it had to come quickly- Ed’s current old van was practically soldered together.”   

In an effort to get some much needed assistance for Ed, Mobility Unlimited contacted the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in Portland about a possible partnership.  From the beginning, the project was going to require some creative funding.  According to Connie Foster, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, “the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services rarely purchases vans for clients anymore. This project would have to qualify for special needs funding out of Salem.” After some time, but now armed with Mobility Unlimited as a partner, Connie’s manager was able to get the project pushed through for funding. 

According to Cooper, “Now, more than ever, people need the services of organizations like Mobility Unlimited and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.  It’s going to be necessary for agencies to partner up and get folks taken care of.  In May of 2005 the Center for Medicare and Medicaid failed yet again to address the “in-the-home” restriction portion of their policy - meaning that if you can get around in your home with your old manual wheelchair, then that’s good enough.  For some disabled people, no motorized equipment means no job, no school, no church, and no community involvement. What kind of a life is that?”

Jerry

McGill of Ashland has his new wheelchair, thanks to the generosity of Mobility Unlimited donors and the Medford Mail Tribune Light One Candle campaign!   See the full story in the Medford Mail Tribune archives.

Debra

Debra is a new mother and a paraplegic as a result of a car accident when she was 12 years old. In the past, Debra would maneuver herself in and out of the driver's side of her van by herself, falling on occasion, but determined to make the transfer on her own.  Today, however, she has a new son, making that transfer more difficult and more dangerous with a baby in tow.  Debra needs a lift for her van so she can safely transfer herself and her son.  Debra plans to return to work at the conclusion of her maternity leave.