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By: Tim Seaman
tseaman@kcautv.com
Communication is a cornerstone of society. Maintaining that link is a daily focus for workers at Mid–Step Services Courage Homes.
"There really isn't any other way for them to decide or understand how or what they want to be doing or what they need to do," says Jeremy Dumkrieger of Mid-Step Courage Homes. "These instruments are very important for us," he adds.
About 70 clients with varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability reside at Courage Homes. Touch-to-talk tools are one example of the kinds of adaptive equipment supported by Variety the Children's Charity.
Dumkrieger says, "They can tell when they want to go to their room."
Modified writing and eating devices as well as specially fitted wheelchairs also help keep clients connected.
"Adaptive equipment devices allow this person to, who would otherwise be at the subject of a care giver to have a voice to communicate their desires and needs," says Jack Ellis, Administrator at Courage Homes.
"These are made of space age materials. Very expensive. When I first started it was a carpenter working with a physical therapist and occupational therapist," says Ellis.
Enabling others while adapting to change. A mission you can help complete.
"On a daily basis we try and teach them how to be independent and have their own sense of freedom that they can makes choices on their own," says Dumkrieger. "It takes gradual steps to try and effect the environment and to understand how to act with in it."
Ellis adds, "They're things that can open up a world that would be closed otherwise."
