Print Friendly VersionSpotlight April 2006
German, Mireya and Edwin’s Story
German and his wife, Mireya, applied to IndependenceFirst’s statewide WisLoan program on behalf of their teenaged son, Edwin, with the hope of being able to purchase a modified van. Muscular Dystrophy had weakened Edwin’s body to the point he needed to use a power wheelchair for mobility, and the family had no way of easily transporting Edwin and his wheelchair. They had been lifting Edwin out of his power wheelchair into an unmodified van, then needed to lift the chair into the back of the van. The process was laborious and put stress on both family members who were assisting, as well as Edwin.
Since IndependenceFirst’s WisLoan is a program that exists to make loan funds available to families and people who have disabilities to purchase Assistive Technology or environmental adaptations, the application seemed like a good fit. With the family’s circumstances and credit history, German and Mireya were approved for a loan and life has changed for the better with their new van. Edwin enjoys the fact that he can enter and exit the vehicle as many times as is needed during the day without stress on family members or his body. The family is experiencing new freedom in travel and has gone to Florida twice since their recent purchase!
When referring to others who may be interested in WisLoan, German stressed the importance of taking initiative, following necessary steps, and believing in possibilities. At a time when he didn’t think he had options, German was referred to WisLoan. This family has a policy of always trying when an opportunity presents itself, and IndependenceFirst’s WisLoan Program has proven to be a successful experience.