pALS Newsletter - Fall 2022 |
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It's one of the best times of the year! Holidays are right around the corner and the weather is cool and breezy in many places right now. We're excited to share our latest news from Team Gleason and the ALS community.
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Team Gleason has had some record-breaking months recently!
- In August 2022, we received 561 requests for assistance - the highest monthly amount in Team Gleason history!
- In September 2022, we received 482 requests for assistance.
- Year to date, we've sent out more than 635 total packages of technology and equipment!
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The “Accessible Technology Enhancements Advisory Members” (A-Team) serves as an advisory committee to Team Gleason to pursue affordable technical solutions that enable families living with ALS access to technologies without requiring insurance to cover exorbitant costs.
Together with their shared experiences living with ALS and their technical backgrounds, members of the A-Team have a passion for innovating on technology that is open-source, affordable, and life-changing for those with ALS.
In our next newsletter, we'll be highlighting the amazing work the A-Team has been focusing their efforts on. We can't wait to show you - stay tuned!
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Team Gleason Power Wheelchair Guide
Powered by NuMotion |
While many may see a power wheelchair as a sign of disability, a properly fitted wheelchair can provide an individual with functional mobility, postural support and access to their environment.
The Team Gleason Power Wheelchair Guide is focused on providing individuals living with ALS the information needed to feel empowered to advocate for themselves during the wheelchair evaluation and beyond.
When any daily activities are limited or impossible to complete because of fear of falling or fatigue (regardless of whether it is muscle fatigue or difficulty with breathing), it is time to consider a mobility aid. Additionally, if the task takes an unreasonable amount of time or includes any danger of injury, it is possibly time to consider a mobility aid. Talk to your medical team, including your Neurologist to help identify what you need to support your activities.
This guide will help an individual find the wheelchair that fits their unique needs and desires.
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Communicating with Two Monitors |
With several holidays approaching, interacting and communicating with friends and family is on many people’s mind. Stephen Cronin recently shared a useful alteration he has made to his communication device that can be a game changer for in person conversations during this holiday season.
In hopes of minimizing the hovering and to better share and interact with others, Stephen attached a secondary screen to the back of his communication device.
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Quantum Sponsors Team Gleason to Provide Seat Elevation |
Quantum Rehab® has entered into a multiyear sponsorship with Team Gleason Foundation which includes a commitment that no person living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) goes without power seat elevation such as iLevel®.
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"My name is James Sheng. I am 73 years old, retired in July 2010 as a Chemical Engineer. I was diagnosed with in April 2010. I was connected with Team Gleason in April 2021. My difficulty in walking and my speech were affected by the ALS disease.
I am very pleased with this new Quantum Power Wheelchair. It is quiet, powerful, well designed, and well made. Especially the battery, it has a good capacity.
I am very grateful to Team Gleason for offering me a new Quantum Power Wheelchair with the seat elevator. Now I can get the plates and cups in the kitchen cabinet by myself. It makes my life much easier. Thanks to Team Gleason for their kindness and generosity."
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Did you know that October is AAC Awareness Month? Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) comes in various forms, including low-tech options, such as a writing tablet, and high-tech options, such as a Speech Generating Device (SGD).
This year's theme is "Show Your Voice." Here, Dolores shows us how she uses her Speech Generating Device to say thanks. We'd love for you to show us yours so we can share on social media for AAC Awareness Month!
Click below to see Dolores' video and submit yours showcasing your voice with a quick message!
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The Moore Family Travels to Yellowstone |
The Moore family just thought they had to avoid the heat of summer and the deep snow of winter when planning their Adventure to Yellowstone. Mother Nature had other plans, with record flooding hitting the Nation’s oldest national park just a week before they were set to begin their road trip from Florida.
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Shirley gathered her entire family for a few nights on the Las Vegas Strip including a stay at the spectacular Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel.
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Team Gleason was thrilled to assist Majid and his family on a one week trip to Washington State to see the Hoh National Rain Forest.
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Stay In Touch With Team Gleason
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Join our next Team Gleason Virtual Zoom Gathering for both those living with ALS and their caregivers. We are inviting everyone - no matter where you live! First Thursday of Every Month at 12pm CST.
Need Additional Support?
First Wednesday of Each Month | 8pm CST: A gathering focused on adult children of persons living with ALS
First Thursday of Each Month | 1pm CST: A gathering focused on wives of men living with ALS
If you would like to be invited to participate, please email kelly@teamgleason.org.
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CHOOSE TO REUSE! To return or donate equipment please contact returns@teamgleason.org so we can best assist with the logistics of the return or donation.
If we are able to accept the donation then Team Gleason will email prepaid shipping labels for the boxes.
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Share Your Story! Have a story, photo, video, or something else that documents your ALS journey, shows off your unique talents, or highlights how you are utilizing technology and equipment?
Email Kacie.Banegas@TeamGleason.org to be featured.
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