Helping those in severe need who come to the attention of our social service committee can be time-consuming, sometimes frustrating but also very gratifying when we can help transform someone’s life.
A speech-language pathologist at CU Denver’s Assistive Technology Partners reached out to us about a client who has had many
hardships, including Meningitis that caused limited ambulatory mobility, partial deafness, the inability to see out of one eye and aphasia. She had been utilizing an iPad with communication software to aid in her communicative effectiveness, but the device was lost when the mount was not properly installed when her wheelchair was being replaced.
As I pursued this request for help with getting the device replaced, I knew there was no way we could purchase a new one for about $4,000, but kept up the conversation with the case worker.
Fast-forwarding through the many details of working with the Speech-Language Pathologist at Assistive Technology Partners, she discovered a person on FaceBook who had the device for sale for $500. Going above and way beyond what I’m sure is her job description, the caseworker verified the device was what was needed and was in good working order, made arrangements to get the device from Eastern Colorado and figured out how to facilitate payment in a way that was acceptable for us. And thanks to Mark for figuring out how to facilitate this payment from the budget.
I have a picture of the recipient I’ll share at a meeting. Below are the thank you notes from the client and caseworker.
Myrna Ann Adkins (and thank you Lion Myrna Ann for going extra mile.,
. 