From the time Richard took and absorbed his sister’s math and computer programming book when he was in middle school, his interest in all things computers was undeniable. Richard, who is on the autism spectrum and lives with ADHD and other disabilities, is now 19 and attends a tech lab at his high school. Richard’s computer skills have grown exponentially, recently programming a virtual reality video game with two of his friends, and spending his free time creating games, animations and programming computers. When Richard’s laptop was accidentally broken on the bus beyond repair, a new computer was not in his family’s budget. The Eric Fund is proud to purchase a new laptop and computer bag for Richard so he can continue pursuing his interest in computers, building skills that will help him when he is ready to land a job.

Priscilla is a 56-year-old woman from Washington, DC, with visual disabilities and albinism, who works for the DC government. When the existing magnifying screen and reader she received through her job was old and did not work reliably, she sought other options to help her get equipment that would make her job easier. The Eric Fund purchased a brand new magnifying screen for Priscilla that will enlarge her computer as well as be able to scan and enlarge papers and other hardcopy media for easy viewing. Priscilla was thrilled to receive her new magnifying screen, and is happy that the device is hers to use at work or at home.

Marccelo is a 14-year-old boy from Springfield, VA, who misses playing video games and connecting with friends online. Marccelo suddenly began to lose function in his hands, arms and legs and now uses a wheelchair. His therapist recommended “life changing” assistive technology that would help Marccelo use a phone and computer to participate with friends socially and via video games. While a private donor purchased an adaptive Xbox controller for him, Marccelo’s existing Xbox is old and does not support new adaptive devices. The Eric Fund is purchasing an adaptive joystick controller and new Xbox to help Marccelo once again play video games with his friends. The Eric Fund is also providing a switch, iPad and case. “He is going to be so excited,” said his mom, Guissela. “Thank you so much to The Eric Fund for getting this equipment for Marccelo. We can’t thank you enough.”

Karina is a vivacious 20-year-old woman with cerebral palsy from Springfield, VA. Karina uses a manual wheelchair, but struggled to operate it optimally around her high school campus and in the community. With an electric wheelchair out of her family’s financial reach, Karina’s therapists at her high school tested a device that would convert her manual wheelchair into a power chair when needed, enabling her to navigate her world at a pace that matches her energetic personality. The Eric Fund is honored to purchase a SmartDrive device for Karina, which will help power her wheelchair and her dreams, as she gets ready to embark on a new chapter in her life.

Stephanie is an active, 41-year-old woman from Springfield, VA, who is part of the Undiagnosed Disease Network at the National Institutes of Health. It has been difficult for Stephanie to get funding for a wheelchair since she doesn’t have an official diagnosis. She has a neuromuscular condition that reduces her stamina, making it necessary to use a wheelchair when out of the house. She requested a Fold & Go electric wheelchair that is heavy duty and good for outdoor activities. Stephanie enjoys being outside and exploring new things. On her first official outing with her new equipment, she used the chair to go to Great Falls, Virginia. She said the gravel paths were bumpy, but she was able to navigate them well, especially with the help of the self-propel feature. Stephanie plans to have more exciting adventures with her new wheelchair.

Joshua is a 19-year-old young man with intellectual disabilities from Washington, DC, who works hard and chases his dreams. Once told he would never read or write, Joshua is a high school honors student and a member of his school’s distinguished Core Leader Team, working with parents, students and teachers. The Eric Fund is purchasing an iPad mini for Joshua so he can use a special reading app that will help him read books and notes as well as record some of his classes for note taking. The iPad will help Joshua continue to excel at school at beyond.

Derricke is and active 8-year-old boy from Woodbridge, VA, with spinal muscular atrophy. His condition causes weak muscles, making it a challenge to move independently and requires use of a wheelchair. Derricke wants to be able to ride a bicycle in the neighborhood like his brothers and friends. He was evaluated for an adaptive tricycle and it was recommended not only for his social involvement, but also to build his muscles, stamina, endurance and mobility. The bicycle is not covered by insurance, so The Eric Fund was honored to purchase one for Derricke.

Derricke’s mother said that means the world to her that her son has a bike of his own, allowing him to go outside and play with other children. He loved using the bike at physical therapy and he was thrilled when he found out he was getting one of his own to use at home.

Anjie is 55 years old and has had polio since birth, but did not know she was entitled to assistance, therapy and other services until she was 28 years old. The delay in receiving assistance caused her condition to worsen, making it painful to walk. She requested a power mobility scooter to get out and about more and have more interaction in her Washington, DC community. Now Anjie can run errands and attend things she normally would not have been able to do.

Jacob is a 5-year-old boy from Rockville, MD, who has a genetic condition that causes benign tumors to grow throughout his major organs and for Jacob, most notably in the brain. The benign brain tumors have caused epilepsy and developmental delays including speech delays as his greatest challenge. Jacob uses an assistive device at school that has provided him some level of independence communicating and advocating for himself. The Eric Fund is pleased to award Jacob an iPad with applications that can be customized for his specific needs and that can be with him at home and when he transitions from school to camp to kindergarten. His mother said that when Jacob opened up his new “words” device, “his face lit up. It was wonderful to see him realize he could connect now. Thank you so much for making this possible for our family,” she said.