Idriss is a 7-year-old boy from Northern Virginia with autism, ADHD and who does not communicate verbally. The iPad which he uses at school is his sole means of communication. His ability to better communicate with his teachers, peers and family will help address his behavioral issues. A communication device and assistive technology are recommended by his medical team and teachers who believe a device at home will increase his ability to communicate and improve his reading, writing and comprehension skills. His single mom requested an iPad and keyboard that he can use for speech therapy at home and anywhere outside school. The Eric Fund is happy to provide these devices that we hope will lead to greater independence for Idriss.
Joshua is a 12-year-old boy from Southern Maryland with autism and ADHD. He has also been diagnosed with encephalopathy which is a group of conditions that impact brain functionality. The conditions include language challenges, repetitive movements, learning disabilities and social communication difficulties. At the request of Joshua’s family and at the recommendation of Joshua’s developmental pediatrician, The Eric Fund provided Joshua with an iPad Air and keyboard needed for his speech and behavioral growth and progress.
Patrick is an 11-year-old boy from Southern Maryland with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or “Brittle Bone Disease.” He also has autism and digestive challenges. Patrick is non-ambulatory, has outgrown his wheelchair, and it has become difficult for his single mom to transfer him on her own. Patrick is in constant motion and needs greater support for safety and mobility and has received a series of complex surgeries that result in a slow, difficult recovery. Insurance and benefit programs will not cover a Rifton Activity chair that was recommended by his doctor and physical therapists to provide greater security needed to protect Patrick from additional fractures. It will also allow Patrick to engage at eye level with his peers and teachers and provide a comfortable positioning outside of his wheelchair. The Eric Fund happily filled the insurance gap and purchased the equipment that will provide Patrick with a more secure and independent life. The activity chair will also make it easier for his mom who is his primary caregiver.
Victoria loves to be active with her friends and family. A 62-year-old DC-area resident, Victoria has been experiencing mobility issues lately due to medical challenges she has encountered due to illness, disability and chronic conditions. Victoria could not get funding for a mobility scooter that she could easily manage and that would fold or come apart for travel to appointments or to easily get in and out of her home. After trying out one scooter that didn’t work properly for her that The Eric Fund returned, Victoria will be receiving a new scooter from The Eric Fund before the end of the year. Victoria looks forward to participating in activities outside of her home more independently with equipment she can more easily manage.
John is a 62-year-old man from Northern Virginia who is growing and further exploring his video editing skills thanks to a new computer purchased by The Eric Fund. John worked as an electrician for much of his career. But after a car accident, John suffered serious nerve damage in his leg and foot which prevented him from continuing to work as an electrician, impacting him and his family both financially and emotionally. John uses a scooter and walker for mobility assistance and continues to work with his doctors to improve his functionality. John was doing video editing work as a volunteer and realized he really enjoyed it. He is looking to continue to build his video editing skills as an additional marketable skill set for the future, but his 10-year-old computer is too outdated. The Eric Fund awarded John a new computer to continue learning how to edit videos and build his new skillset for a less physically demanding job so that he can once again enjoy work that he has always highly valued.
A 21-year-old young man from Northern Virginia who has autism, epilepsy, speech and intellectual disabilities requested a new, updated computer that he uses to communicate. He has challenges communicating verbally and spends lots of time on his computer, researching and managing his daily activities. An updated laptop was needed to keep him engaged with his day-to-day activities, including online banking, paying bills, applying for jobs and improving his overall quality of life as he connects with the outside world. He is a very busy young man who loves sports and competes in Special Olympics in volleyball, basketball and softball. He also enjoys bowling and golfing. He volunteers for the Salvation Army and the local library. He is focused on pursuing a career as a data analyst in a weather-related field and already has an interview set up with a major airline. We wish him the best of luck!
His father reports that his son “loves his new computer which provides him with a much-needed larger screen that’s easier on his eyes.” He also told us that much of his essential communications could not take place without this computer. He sends his “thanks for a good cause.”
Cali is 27-year-old college student from Northern Virginia who we awarded an iPad to in 2011. At the time Cali and her mother received serious and life-changing injuries in a car accident that propelled them into homelessness and a year in a shelter. They continue to struggle but with help and counseling, Cali has made it through high school and college and now continues with advanced studies. Cali is a talented writer for which she has received several awards over the years. The accident left Cali with a TBI resulting in hearing and cognitive challenges as well as chronic migraines and seizures, for which she continues to receive therapy. Now that her previously awarded iPad is no longer functioning, Cali requested an upgrade to a MacBook Pro that has the capacity she needs to continue her education and career pursuits and meet requirements to fill out forms, make appointments, access test results and records, attend classes and workshops, submit and sign documents and more – all digitally.
The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) has assisted and advocated for Cali ever since the car accident, including getting her needed supports in her school system to help her excel. Cali is also an advocate for other students with disabilities, and has worked hard to complete additional certifications and leadership programs, and has taken an active leadership role on her college campus, including efforts to make her college more inclusive. Assistive technology and hard work has helped Cali accomplish a great deal since her accident a decade ago. The technology upgrade that The Eric Fund is providing will make her continuing educational and career journey a little easier. With news of the award, Cali said, “I am crying! I cannot believe it. This is life changing, truly. I am just so grateful to The Eric Fund.”
Catherine is a 42-year-old, single mother with two children from Northern Virginia. Catherine has lupus, gait dysfunction and chronic migraines. Catherine has experienced repeated falls due to her gait and balance issues. She has general muscle weakness and experiences pain with weight bearing. Catherine requested a light weight mobile wheelchair as a back up to her heavy power wheelchair which has no insurance coverage for its intermit- tent disrepair. She has missed medical appointments when transportation service cancels due to size of the power chair. The ultralight manual wheelchair will provide Catherine with greater mobility in her home and greater access to her community which the heavier wheelchair often prohibits.
Dream is a 4-year-old girl from southern Maryland with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other developmental delays that affect speech, motor skills and cognition. Dream currently communicates mostly with an eye gaze device and receives significant early intervention including speech, vision, occupational, and physical therapy. Dream has a table mount for her device and recently received a second mount to use on her adapted stroller so that she can use it outside her home; however, this equipment only allows her to use her device while sitting at a table or in her stroller. Insurance only covers one mount and with her only means of communication being through her eye gaze device, she needed a rolling, standing mount that she can use throughout her home. Dream’s mother has not been able to return to work since COVID and has devoted full-time care to Dream which limits their family financially. The Eric Fund is happy to be able to purchase the rolling mount which now allows Dream to have access to and use her device throughout her home and in multiple positions.
Brandon is a 15-year-old teen from southern Maryland who has autism, cerebral palsy and communication challenges. Brandon, who had challenges communicating verbally, attends public school where he has used a Nova Chat 10, an assistive technology device that helps him communicate with his teachers and peers. Brandon needed a device he can use at home to express his needs and wants with his family. Brandon’s single mother says Brandon gets extremely frustrated when he’s unable to express himself. Having a Nova Chat 10 device at home will help prevent the tantrums that can result from Brandon’s inability to communicate his needs. His mother’s disability and limited income will not allow her to purchase this expensive but life-altering device. The Eric Fund was more than happy to help.
Amanda is a 17 year old from Northern Virginia who just graduated from high school and is now attending a local university in the computer science program. The Eric Fund awarded Amanda an iPad Pro in 2016 when she was in middle school. Her university experience requires a device with more robust capacity. Amanda has a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegia. She uses a wheelchair and often relies on assistive devices, adaptations and adult assistance to pursue her education. The upgraded laptop will allow her to participate in a more advanced university computer science program. Amanda’s mother said, “This device will benefit Amanda to transition between features seamlessly and gain more independence.” Amanda sent a thank you note to The Eric Fund, saying, “The laptop is amazing. Words can’t explain how appreciative I am of this laptop. It will be extremely useful for furthering my education.” We are delighted to be able to help Amanda on her next chapter in college
Jane and her husband are a couple who are both deaf and live in Northern Virginia, with their three hearing children. They requested a Smart Flasher Home Kit, a Wi-Fi system that alerts them with flashing lights when the doorbell or phone rings. In the past, their children have answered the door without their knowledge. The system will let them know when a visitor rings at the door or when a package is delivered. Jane said this new system will provide greater security and better control of their home. She said, “The SquareGlow Home Kit system is a game changer and it’s the perfect solution to our needs and concerns.” Jane sent a “huge thanks” from her family to The Eric Fund.
Look no further than our award winner Hoang to find a young man with a big heart, big dreams and big-time motivation & drive. Hoang, 26, currently works with a job coach to find a job he loves. With his previous experience, joy for work and people, and the MacBook Pro and laptop backpack from The Eric Fund, Hoang should have no problem finding a great fit.
Hoang, who has Down syndrome and lives in Northern Virginia, graduated last year from an inclusive program at a major university designed to give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a full college experience – complete with academics, employment, residential living and community participation. While at college, Hoang interned for several semesters on Capitol Hill with his local congressperson and also worked at an office at his university. He also worked in hospitality and retail. Hoang enjoyed all of his work opportunities, but has a passion for working in an office or in sports. His new computer from The Eric Fund should help him on his way.
“I’ll use my computer for future work and emails,” Hoang says. “I’ll also use it for my resume and job search tasks, meetings, typing and writing.”
Hoang also plans to use his computer for his continued participation in a reading and literacy program, to communicate with friends and family, and to pursue his interests online. Hoang is an athlete who loves to play basketball, football, volleyball, swimming and bowling and also participates in Special Olympics. He is an avid wrestling fan and also enjoys dancing, watching movies, playing piano and is also learning American Sign Language (ASL). We wish Hoang the best of luck as he pursues all of his interests and career goals. We are honored to award him the laptop to help him on his way.
For Alonzo, the iPad Pro and protective case purchased for him by The Eric Fund, will be a game changer for his socialization and future employment.
Alonzo, 38, who has cerebral palsy and other disabilities, lives in Northern Virginia with his parents. When stores and services shuttered during the pandemic, Alonzo was unable to continue working at a local retail store. The lack of employment and socialization from his job and with friends and family impacted him greatly.
With most of his siblings living away from home, the iPad will help Alonzo maintain important
connections with friends and family that are so vital to his well-being. Alonzo will also use the iPad to continue to read, write and draw, which he enjoys.
In addition to forging important connections with loved ones, Alonzo can use his iPad to help him obtain and maintain employment and improve job skills. The Eric Fund is thrilled to provide the iPad Pro to Alonzo to help him continue to advance his independence, connect with loved ones and further expand his world, especially during these challenging times.
Matthew, a previous Eric Fund award winner from Northern Virginia who is on the autism spectrum, uses the iPad Mini and special communication app we purchased for him in 2015 as his voice device as he does not communicate verbally. While the previous iPad Mini expanded Matthew’s world and helped him communicate more easily at school and at home, the device unfortunately broke and he needs another.
Now 17 years old, Matthew relies on his iPad Mini to communicate and the device has become an integral part of his life. With the incredible progress Matthew made with the previous equipment, The Eric Fund is thrilled to help him continue growing, learning and communicating by purchasing a new iPad Mini and protective case for him. In addition to enjoying his iPad, Matthew looks forward to using it while also enjoying some of his other favorite activities such as playing baseball on his baseball team, playing floor hockey in Special Olympics, and going out to eat.
Nick and his family have tried several times to get him an iPad to better communicate, but each time, they hit a brick wall with the insurance company who refused to fund it. They denied the essential equipment “because he can play games on it,” his mother said. So when Nick learned he was receiving an iPad, keyboard and case from The Eric Fund, he spelled out on his laminate letter board: “I am very excited and grateful!”
Nick, 15, is on the autism spectrum and has challenges communicating verbally. A fun-loving, caring kid, he did not find a communications system that worked for him until he was 10 years old. The app worked only on the iPad, but Nick and his family could not get funding for the device until they found The Eric Fund. In the interim, Nick communicates on a laminate word board. His mom says Nick is a “typical teenager who wants to be able to talk on his own” and not have her translate all his conversations from his board. The iPad will give Nick the independence and autonomy he desires. “The independence is going to be phenomenal. He will have his own voice and be able to talk to anyone he wants to without me being there,” she added.
In his spare time, Nick enjoys walks, basketball, being outside and spending time with family and friends. “He is a great kid,” his mom said. “He brings us so much joy.”
Caroline can’t wait to get started creating new art with the iPad, keyboard, pencil and case she received from The Eric Fund. Caroline is a 27-year-old artist and graphic designer with cerebral palsy who has her own design business and creates original artwork on the computer that she sells at art shows, craft fairs and on her website: www.labradorabledesigns.com
A power wheelchair user who always has her service dog, Shelly, by her side, Caroline is excited to find a new way to create her art using the iPad. “I am looking forward to learning how to do my art right on the screen with the iPad pencil or my finger. I think it will be easier and more fun than what I do now, which is draw with my finger on a MacBook track pad,” she said. “I look forward to trying different art apps on it, and keeping my website updated. I hope to grow my business by learning more about online market- ing, especially since I can’t do fairs and shows during COVID. It will make me more independent in every day life, because I can use it to text, write emails and look up information.”
She looks forward to the iPad helping her expand her business in-person as well once the pandemic subsides. “Hopefully when this COVID thing is over, I’m going to do more art shows again, and plan to use the iPad for taking payments,” she shared. “I’m also hoping to learn how to do more photography with the iPad camera. It’s also fun taking classes and seeing people through Zoom, so I’m going to look for more things like that. It will help me learn new things and stay in touch with people. I’m excited.”
When Caroline is not busy creating, learning and running her business, she enjoys riding horses and driving a horse-drawn carriage, writing and listening to music, exploring big cities, and going to concerts, movies and art museums. Caroline is also a disability activist who volunteers for Canine Companions for Independence (where she got her service dog, Shelly) and at a therapeutic riding program.
She said just like Eric Savader for whom The Eric Fund was founded, she enjoys adventure: “From what I’ve learned, Eric was a wonderful guy, who lived life to its fullest while he could. I feel the same way,” she said. “My cerebral palsy and wheelchair don’t stop me from riding and skiing and traveling, and I have many more adventures ahead.”
Leticia is a single mother from northern Virginia who suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury and other injuries due to an accident. Since the accident, Leticia has been on a long journey from the hospital to an assisted living environment, to a shelter and now back into housing. Due to her injuries, Leticia has mobility and administrative skill difficulties, a visual disability and other challenges.
The Eric Fund purchased an iPad for Leticia to stay on top of bill paying, keep up with daily activities, medical care and case workers she coordinates with, including those that have moved their services to apps and online platforms for transmitting information and communication. With services going digital during the pandemic, the equipment has become essential for Leticia and her family to maintain activities of daily living, coordinate services as well as medical care and equipment, and help with her child’s education. Leticia said she thanks God each day she was able to survive and get back to being a Mom to raise her child. The Eric Fund is honored to provide this equipment for Leticia to help her and her family navigate the next steps of their journey.
Carvel is a 17-year-old teen with autism, sensory processing and verbal expression challenges. An evaluation showed Carvel would benefit from an iPad for word recall and putting sentences together to increase his communication ability. He currently communicates using two-to three-word phrases, but the iPad will help open Carvel’s world. Carvel’s mom, a single mom raising five children, shared that Carvel also wants to be social but needs technology to assist him in communicating and being independent. She added that the iPad will help her son immensely.
In his spare time, Carvel loves to sing, draw and build elaborate Lego sets. He also swims and plays basketball on a local Special Olympics team.
When Dan’s mom first learned about The Eric Fund through a parent group she belongs to, she was hoping her son could finally get an iPad of his own to help him communicate.
Dan, a 16-year-old teen on the autism spectrum, has challenges communicating verbally and uses an old iPad issued to him through school. His school iPad cannot be updated without permission. Plus, Dan and his family are nervous for him to take the school iPad outside the house or school for fear it will break or something will happen to it. This issue has been exacerbated by the pandemic. With his school iPad being his connection to learning right now, any damage to it could jeopardize his education and repairs would take a long time.
Dan was thrilled to receive from The Eric Fund an iPad of his own to take anywhere he goes, a keyboard and gift card for a specialized app. Dan’s iPad includes the LAMP Words for Life app, a communication tool that works well for him.
Dan and his family look forward to the greater independence the new iPad can bring. “We’re super excited that he is going to have his own device that will grow with him,” his mom said. “It is something that can be with him at all times that he can use to communicate with other people.”
When he’s not in school (which he really enjoys), Dan loves sports, especially basketball, swimming and adaptive skiing. He enjoys spending time with his family, doing things with his big brother, and going to the beach. Dan and his family look forward to an exciting new chapter of communication and greater independence with his new iPad.