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.