Langley Pos-Abilities has been in existence for almost 10 years helping residents of the Langleys living with disabilities obtain equipment to help them gain more mobility and independence as well as providing education, direction to resources and changing the perception of our lives. To that end we have developed a number of additional programs over the years.
- The most recent is the TOAD (Try on a Disability) program which we are doing in schools and businesses to educate people about disabilities and thus promote understanding and inclusion.
- We are working on an assessment tool to identify which businesses and offices are disability friendly
- One of the challenges facing people with disabilities is finding the funding to repair their adaptive devices. Therefore we would like to address this issue and have a pilot project designed to do just that in an economical and easy manner. To that end we will be starting a fund raising campaign entitled “Give the Gift of Mobility.”
Many provinces’ medical systems take care of individuals with disabilities, by providing equipment and services. Unfortunately, BC falls short on meeting the equipment needs of individuals. Proper equipment empowers individuals to achieve their full potential as contributing members of society. In one of our recent surveys on medical mobility equipment, 95% of respondents selected that equipment is “vitally important: I can’t live without it. I am dependent on it for getting around.”
There is limited funding for individuals to purchase equipment, with little to no support to maintain the functionality costs associated with maintaining the safety and reliability of their assistive devices.
Give the Gift of Mobility is a new venture that emerged through the Fraser Valley Health Summit meetings to address the health issues of seniors in our community. Since January 2018, we are committed to provide everyone, especially seniors, the opportunity to maintain their mobility.
Our first step to address this need is at a localized level through a pilot project for the residents of Langley. The goal is not to take business from the current suppliers, but to work with them to help address the needs of our population.
Our vision is a new way to tackle this community issue, by delivering repair services in an innovative manner. As soon as enough money has been raised, an event will be scheduled. This event would be a drop-in repair clinic in a community centre setting at a community event.
The public is unaware of the astronomical price of medical equipment repairs. Therefore, in order to service our goal of 35 people ($300 per person), the estimated cost is $10,500.
We are asking for financial support to cover this project, which will relieve the overwhelming burden of restoring mobility on these individuals.
Tax receipts will be provided.