Thomas is a lifelong friend of ADA. “We found out about ADA when Tommy was two years old,” said his grandmother, Denia. “When Tommy was born, his parents were told that he would never walk; that’s a hard thing to hear about your firstborn,” said Denia. “We circled the wagons. My job over the years has been finding equipment and services that can help Tommy grow and strengthen his body. I found ADA, and they have been unbelievable partners with us.”
When Thomas was little, Denia could not find adaptive equipment that could meet his needs and strengthen his frame. “ADA was extraordinary in getting equipment for Tommy to help him get stronger,” said Denia. Over the years, ADA has designed equipment to help Thomas sit up straight and grow stronger as he gets older. Ten years ago, at age four, Thomas took his first steps, thanks in part to ADA’s assistive devices, which strengthened his core. “ADA has made five chairs for Tommy over the years,” said Denia. “He still needs support while sitting, but he can now walk, climb stairs, and ride the bus to school.”
With each growth spurt, ADA has been there to modify Thomas’s existing equipment or create new items that suit his evolving needs. Recently, Thomas needed a larger chair.
This time, he received a commercially produced chair that was modified by ADA. The chair allows Thomas to strengthen his neck muscles and sit more upright. “This latest chair for Tommy is a great design. He can sit at the table at mealtimes, and he has a tray that helps him focus on activities,” said Denia.
ADA is committed to working with individuals like Thomas throughout their lifetime. We will always be there when Thomas grows again or needs new customized equipment to help him stay active.
Last year, we provided over eighty individuals like Thomas with free equipment. Families who can do so, make a personally meaningful contribution to pay our services forward to the next family. We are able to provide these services because of ongoing gifts from our loyal family of donors. Please consider helping us with a gift so that we can help others like Thomas realize their dreams by removing barriers through adaptive design.
Photo Description: In April 2019, Adaptive Design partnered with Thomas and his family to build an independent chair that he could use to join mealtime at the dining room table or use as an activity chair.
Photo Description: Thomas sitting in his new chair with tray supports reading a book.
Photo Description: Thomas's modified chair photographed at Adaptive Design waiting for delivery!
Adaptive Design's Sitting, Standing and On the Go! fundraising campaign is live through year-end! Together, we ensure kids with disabilities in NYC get the custom fit they deserve to participate fully in their world.
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