During VGM’s June 18-21 Heartland Conference in Waterloo, Iowa, U.S Rehab partnered with Rifton, Golden Technologies, and OBI to donate mobility equipment to six children and their families. The giveaways didn’t end with the conference, however.
Last week, VGM supplier partner and Heartland attendee EZ-ACCESS donated an additional gift of a vertical platform lift to 9-year-old Hannah Smith, one of the six children who received mobility equipment during Heartland.
Jenni Smith, Hannah’s mother, said that the VPL will give Hannah, who has spinal muscular atrophy, the independence to enter the Smith home on her own.
“Previously, an adult needed to push her wheelchair up our very steep, makeshift ramp,” she said. “As [Hannah] gets older, I envision her coming home off the school bus and being able to enter her own home without the help from others.”
The gift also relieves a financial burden from the Smith family. From purchase to installation, the power lift comes with a price tag of $6,500.
“As a parent with a child that has a progressive disability, you can never fully prepare yourself for all the support and special needs they may have,” Smith said. “It is difficult at times as a parent to be able to provide all the adaptations she needs, especially financially.”
VGM helped coordinate EZ-ACCESS’ powerlift donation with delivery by VGM member Nucara and installation by Americans for Independent Living.
“VGM and its partners and members always look to step in for someone who might need just a little help,” said Jim Greatorex, vice president of VGM Live at Home.