Mike is a well-connected member of the disabled community in Fort Worth, TX. When I say “well-connected” I am probably under selling his influence and knowledge of navigating the programs and options available for a disabled individual. Mike’s been the chairperson of the Fort Worth mayors committee for disabilities and has been on founding member of every assistance program available in the area. His independence is of paramount importance to him, he researches and works hard to find any and every assistive technology device or adaptive aid, and utilize them to control many of the devices in his home and aid in completing his personal and professional daily life tasks . Through his efforts he has found electronic (or EADLs – electronic aid to daily living) and mechanical technological aids that enable him to retain much of his independence. Now what happens when part of that system is taken away?
In early 2016, lightning struck Mike’s home – destroying the ECU (environmental control unit) and smarthome equipment in his bedroom. Due to this he lost his ability to control his bedroom lighting and heating/cooling equipment for 9 months before funding was procured to help replace the equipment. Luckily he was able to get it replaced, however anyone living in Texas knows 9 months is a long time to not adjust your AC. Sadly many people can’t get on the programs Mike is on due to waiting lists that often extend to almost a decade. And while the commercialization of some of this technology has caused priced to became much more reasonable, if you’re living on social security disability disposable income can be scarce. For Living Independence is committed to make it possible for people like Mike to regain self-reliance within a 10 business day turnaround upon project discovery.
Mike is a member of our executive committee dedicated to helping others in similar situations