Assad

Assad’s Situation

  • 17 year old boy who is blind with spina bifida
  • Paralyzed from the waist down
  • Independently operates a manual wheelchair with one hand while in his other hand holding a blind cane to detect objects in his path.
  • Just graduated from High School and is currently attending college where he is a drummer in a band
  • Dreams to someday write a book.

The Help Needed

Assad's old wheelchair was beyond repair and his insurance policy had a cap that would only pay for a wheelchair operated by both hands. Assad nor his family had the means to purchase the more expensive one-handed wheelchair. Without it he would not be independent at home or in the community.

Result

Assad was thrilled with his new chair purchased for him by Ability Found! He immediately wheeled himself around his home, down the ramp into his garage, and out in the neighborhood. College will be more fun now.
 

How Ability Found Helped

The Spina Bifida Clinic at a children's hospital referred Assad to Ability Found as a possible candidate for our help. The need was immediate because of the very poor condition of his old wheelchair. To remain independent and because of his need to use a blind cane in one hand, his new wheelchair needed a locking axel for one wheel operation. Assad's insurance policy was unwilling to fund that type of chair for him. They were also unwilling to donate the money they would have spent on a two-handed wheelchair to help pay for a one-handed wheelchair. Seeing that Assad has the desire and ability to continue to move independently, Ability Found provided the funds for the new wheelchair he required. The wheelchair was purchased through a durable medical equipment vendor at a discount. As part of the purchase they delivered and fit the chair to Assad.

Community Involvement

  • Children's Hospital
  • Cash Donations
  • Ability Found
Make A Donation