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.