A High-tech Way to Eliminate Obstacles for the Disabled

Motivated, driven and confident. These are three words that can be used to describe 57-year-old Terry Austin of Ft. Worth, Texas. But not so long ago, constrained would have fit his place in life better.

Austin contracted polio when he was just a year old and wasn't able to walk until the age of 11. When he did start walking, it required great effort and assistance. "I had leg braces and crutches and it was just easier to get around in a wheelchair," he says.

Once he reached adulthood though, staying in a wheelchair wasn't very practical to Austin, especially considering the career path he had chosen. Austin is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association, a high profile position where he's in charge of helping churches in Texas and across the country raise money, develop their leaders and fulfill their missions.

"I'm often called upon to preach and teach and encourage people to get involved in their church.  As a preacher's son, I've always been a very positive person, but given my physical challenges, it's not always easy," says Austin.

He used to get frustrated when he'd arrive at a church to make a presentation and he was unable to navigate his way from the parking lot to the pulpit without help. And forget about getting up the stairs to enter the building. That used to be impossible; not anymore though.

"About a year ago, I decided it was time to upgrade my wheelchair, so I started looking online for information about the latest technology. When I came across an ad for the INDEPENDENCE iBOT 4000 Mobility System, I knew I had to have one," says Austin.

Designed by inventor Dean Kamen, developer of the Segway human transporter, the iBOT Mobility System uses multiple computers to help users climb stairs, navigate curbs and move over different types of terrain, like sand, gravel and grass. But it's the balance function, which allows Austin to raise himself up to eye level with everyone, else that he likes the best. Go to www.ibotnow.com for a demonstration of how it works.

"It's really amazing how much confidence the chair gives me. From the moment I enter a room, all eyes are on me. People can see me now, and hear me better. It really has made a difference," says Austin, who begins most of his presentations by saying something like: "The first thing you're going to notice about me is the chair. I can assure you I'm not going to fall over." Then as people laugh he raises himself up and says, "Just don't ask me how it works because I don't know." Once people are done laughing a second time, he gets on with the business at hand.

Austin was initially turned down by his insurance company and he turned to the Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services to purchase an iBOT Mobility System for him.  

"Until you're in the shoes of someone like me, you can't even grasp how beneficial the iBOT Mobility System can be. Can I get by with a regular chair? Sure, but accessibility would be limited and my quality of life just wouldn't be the same," says Austin. "It's truly an amazing machine."

To find out if the iBOT Mobility System can improve your quality of life, or help someone you know, log on to www.ibotnow.com and fill out the quick online form. A customer service representative will follow up with you in the manner you request -- by phone, e-mail or by sending an informational packet through the U.S. mail.

This article was commissioned by Independence Technology, L.L.C., manufacturer of the INDEPENDENCE iBOT 4000 Mobility System.

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