Above watch: The Lethbridge chapter of the Tetra Society is working to make everyday tasks easier for people with physical disabilities, Erik Mikkelsen reports.
LETHBRIDGE – A small handle on a wheelchair may not seem like much, but it’s making Linda Boyce’s daily life much easier.
Boyce could barely use the old joystick to move her wheelchair around, until she worked with Chris Schamber and the Lethbridge chapter of the Tetra Society to turn a small joystick into one that’s customized to the shape of her hand.
The society has helped a handful of people with disabilities in Lethbridge and is hoping to help more. The requests for help range from a device that clears snow from a ramp down to a vehicle, to a customized desk Boyce uses to help her control a touch-screen computer comfortably.
“Whether we can help them open a door, run a computer, run a smartphone – whatever can be done to help an individual live more independently, is priceless,” said Schamber.
Schamber has volunteered with the organization to come up with creative solutions to problems – like creating the braces he wears on his arms. With the use of his nose and a smartphone pen, he is able to control and use his computer for emails and engineering software.
He says he has always been a handy guy and has a passion looking for new ways to overcome his disability.
“I’ve been lucky in life to have that and if I can give that back to other people that need that, there’s nothing better,” Schamber added.
Schamber says that people with disabilities usually go to their doctor to be referred to an occupational therapist about their challenges. But now, the requests can be made online, which allows them to be more specialized for the needs of the client.
The Lethbridge chapter of the Tetra Society is now looking for volunteers with design experience like retired mechanics and engineers. Anyone who would like to donate their time is encouraged to visit http://www.tetrasociety.org for more information.
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