JULY 2012

Some things are needed for daily life and are not covered by insurance. Here is a list of what Deirdre currently needs:

1) USED iPOD 2G 8gb

Looking for an used iPod, 2nd generation, 8gb. We have one and we need a second one to complete the set to use iPad communication program. The iPods are used as touch mouse so Deirdre can control communication screen choices. One functions as selection tool and the other as clicking tool.

2) ADAPTED TOYS

We are always looking interactive objects that might draws her attention (remember that Deirdre is 5 years old). The perfect combination is of light, movement and music. She currently uses the 2grams "clicker" switch (activates with 2 grams of pressure) and the proximity switch.  If you have adapted toys that you do not use, send them. If you have toys that do simple actions, send them in as Deirdre's mom can try adapting them. IR toys (infra-red) are very much welcomed as Deirdre can use it with her communication device

3) SPECIAL NEEDS STROLLER KIMBA Size 2

We are looking for a Kimba Size 2 stroller that tilts-in-space. A stroller allows for maneuverability in specific places/situations that a wheelchair may get stuck or be too cumbersome. Insurance won't cover for the stroller when it already has approved a wheelchair, so we need your help to get this.

4) PHYSICAL THERAPY / SPEECH THERAPY
Providers for these services that are actually experienced are out of our insurance's network, so we need help covering that cost. Each session tops $150, and yearly it costs over $7,000. Any help to get these much needed therapies is definitively appreciated.

5) MOTOMED PT machine

Motomed physical therapy machine. an automated machine for therapy of arms and legs. It helps with daily PT. This system is a MOTOmed Gracile (brochure can be found at the company's website: http://www.motomed.com). This is a PT device that mimics the movement of running a bicycle with automated leg rotations, and can be also used for the arms. It is used while being in a wheelchair. It would help with Deirdre's muscle mass in arms and legs. It will allow Deirdre to receive a therapeutic dosage of intensive movement which she would not otherwise be able to obtain. Without this continued activity based treatment, it can be expected that Deirdre will experience a growing number of medical complications as a result of her immobility (pressure sores, diabetes, osteopenia with risk of fractures, recurrent urinary tract infections, joint stiffness, and early cardiovascular disease). Furthermore, Deirdre has NO other activity options. With Motomed she can achieve adequate activity to protect her health and reduce her chances of experiencing the expensive and debilitating secondary complication associated with profound immobility. This device costs around $8,000 USD, plus shipping .

6) NEW FAMILY HOME

Deirdre and her family currently live in a small 2 bedroom apartment in a complex. Many services that Deirdre needs are hindered by the current family living location as people consider the area dangerous and are unwilling to come into the home and provide services there. The family has been looking for a new home in a more kid-friendly environment, but so far they've had no success. A home outside of Newark would be the best option. It needs 3 bedrooms as this is a family of 4: Mom, dad, special needs 5 year old girl (Deirdre) and 2 year old toddler. The families resources are very limited, so they need a place that is income-based. Any help towards achieving this goal is extremely appreciated!

7) GIMPWEAR VERSATILITY
Controller and switches.Right now the only thing that Deirdre can do for leisure is watch movies or crafts mostly from her bed and relying on anyone around her to do things for her. We would like to be able to let her enjoy video games so she can play/control game activities by herself. This implies a system called GimpGear Versatility, bundled with special switches specifically for less than 2 grams of strength. This Versatility controller system, plus the light touch 4pack and foot switches, cost $1,100 USD, plus shipping. From Broadened Horizons (http://www.broadenedhorizons.com).

8) STANDING BOOK MOUNT
For laptop, book, and switches. It is difficult to position Deirdre's laptop so she can actually see what she's doing as most on the time she is laying sideways in bed. We found this mount that can support a laptop, mouse/adapted switch controllers, and books. This mount will improve her visibility and positioning and will help her to complete school tasks in a more ergonomic way. It is also difficult to position her so the proximity switch and sensor switches work well. Mounts cost more than two hundred each and she needs it for use while in bed and while in wheelchair. We found a mount that can fulfill Deirdre's needs at Airdesks (http://www.airdesks.com). The total for the minimun desk features that Deirdre needs is $305 plus shipping. In detail, it includes: Swing Out Mouse Pad $19.95, Book Holder and Arm Add-On $84.95, Large Laptop Tray Upgrade (for 17” screen laptop) $10.95, EXERCISER (Tall Air Desk with up to 64 inches height, needed for position bed) $189.00. 

YOU CAN ALSO GET OUR SERVICES!

We don't really like asking for things for free. If we can provide a service in exchange for the items listed above, or actual payment, we will definitively do it. Mark has basic computer troubleshooting skills, and Vivian is both and artist and a A+ certified computer technician and web designer. Contact us if you want any of these:

1) WEB DESIGN:
Need a website? Deedee's mom can do one for you. She has a diploma on Web Design and her website/portfolio is at Katabolic Designs.

2) SCRAPBOOKING or SCRAPBOOK PAGES:
Deedee's mom can build a custom scrapbook upon request. You can view some of her scrapbooking pages at her Witchy Scrapbooking blog.

3) POSTERS/DRAWINGS/ILLUSTRATIONS on Request:
Deedee's mom is an artist and can sketch, paint or draw anything you want! You can view her portfolio in her site Katabolic Designs.

4) Communication screens customization for Tobii, and general PC troubleshooting:
Support for users of windows 98, XP, Vista, Win7

5) If you have a job lead, feel free to share it with us!
Vivian's resume: http://vivianriverapr.wordpress.com/
Mark's resume: http://markmedina.wordpress.com/