Tyler is a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student who has Cerebral Palsy. Tyler can now open and close his dorm room door, turn on lights, fans, his TV and send emails all from one central control unit – the Independence One. Tyler will be adding other new devises over time as the needs arise or his desire for more independence grows. The Independence One support team can configure any new wireless devise (added to the system) remotely with just a few bits of information provided by the user.

While we were there, Tyler had already begun to discuss new applications for his I-One with the system’s chief design engineer. We expect to hear great things from Tyler who now wants to focus his energies toward developing assistive technologies himself.

Salute Inc.

As you may remember, we reported last month on our partnership with Salute, Inc. – an organization that is doing a great job of meeting the special needs and concerns of veterans disabled during their military service. We are bringing together Salute and Rotary International (RI) to enlist the help of international Rotary clubs around the world to help our returning, wounded Veterans. The final details of the plan are being worked out to connect a wounded Vet here in the states with a Rotary Club overseas to set in motion a terrific funding mechanism from RI. We hope to launch this program in December with the Oak Lawn, IL Rotary club.

A new Partner In Progress

We are proud to be partnering with NextSteps Chicago — the first non-profit exercise facility devoted to the rehabilitation and overall wellness of Chicagoland SCI victims. NextSteps' mission is to provide the Chicagoland SCI community with affordable, dynamic, and progressive spinal cord injury rehabilitation while utilizing technologically advanced equipment and personalized functional exercise therapy and training methods.

We will be reporting more on our work with NextSteps and on a family from Aurora, IL. whose teenage son, Tre’, was paralyzed in drive-by shooting. Tre’ (short for Richard III) received his first treatment at NextSteps this month. We are working with NextSteps to put in place a complete rehabilitation plan for Tre’. More on our progress with Tre’ next month.