Technology helps the disabled find independence
Consumer fair features demonstrations, devices
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| Erica Burrus photo/ Steve Kinstler, a 39-year-old South County resident, wheels into his van. The 2007 Toyota Sienna has been modified for wheelchair access with a ramp and hand controls for driving. |
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"I didn't see how I could do it at the level I wanted to be at," said Kinstler, 39. "It takes maturing and perspective to get there."
In 2003, he made his return to the game he loved, but with some modifications.He played sled hockey, which involves a player sitting in a sled with a seat on blades. Players use two small hockey sticks equipped with picks on the end to help propel them across the ice. When a player wants to handle the puck a stick is switched upside down.
"To be able to compete again means a lot," said Kinstler, who is currently sidelined with an injury. "It was a confidence builder - that I could get out there and do OK."
The sleds are just one piece of assistive technology equipment that helps people with disabilities play sports and lead independent lives. Assistive technology devices can range from a $5 cane to a $30,000 iBOT Mobility System, which is a wheelchair that can climb stairs.
Steve Kinstler uses several pieces of equipment. His company van and family sport utility vehicle are equipped with hand controls, which are attached to the gas and break pedals so Kinstler and his wife, Stacy, can both drive either vehicle. Kinstler works as the sales and marketing representative for United Access, a company that makes wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Stacy Kinstler is the lead physical therapist for spinal cord injuries in the orthopedic unit at the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis.
Around the couple's South County home Steve Kinstler uses a grabber to reach for things out of range and an electric lift to get in the basement to do laundry.
Steve Kinstler went to bed one night in March 1993 and woke up paralyzed. He was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder caused by inflammation on the spinal cord.
He was 23.
Kinstler described the experience as the emotions an individual goes through when a person dies, including anger, denial and acceptance.
"A part of you changes dramatically," he said.
But he made the best of things and focused on the future.
"I wanted what everyone was supposed to want at that age - a career, wife and family. I've got that - just sitting down."
Steve Kinstler was working out in the physical therapy gym at the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, where Stacy Kinstler worked and he asked her out. They began dating in February 2003 and were married in September 2004.
Steve Kinstler credits his wife, children and family for helping him. Kinstler said his wife is supportive and encourages him to do more than he ever realized he could. His 14-month-old twin daughters also add spark to his life.
"They teach you what's most important," he said. "It's unconditional love"
Assistive technology equipment has also helped Kerri Morgan, an instructor in the occupational therapy program at Washington University School of Medicine. She uses a manual wheelchair for everyday use and work. For a while she was using crutches, but that wasn't doing the trick.
"It took to much energy," said Morgan, 33, of the Loft District.
Besides her manual wheelchair, Morgan has one she uses for rugby. She is paralyzed from the chest down as a result of being diagnosed with transverse myelitis at age 1.
"Technology really helps make things possible for people with disabilities," Morgan said. "I use assistive technology so I tell people we may not do it like everyone else, but I do it with the appropriate assistive technology."
The Kinstlers and Morgan encourage people to visit The Assistive Technology Consumer Fair, held noon to 8 p.m., on May 12; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on May 13 at America's Center, 801 Convention Plaza. The event is free.
"Technology is always changing. For consumers to know what's best for them they need to know what's out there," Morgan said. "Technology really helps make things possible for people with disabilities."
This year's fair will be held in conjunction with the National Americans with Disabilities Act Symposium and Expo. The fair will feature demonstrations, service organizations, as well as companies and devices for a variety of disabilities.
The symposium is designed for professionals who work with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not open to the public. Officials expect 800 to 1,000 people to attend the fair and another 1,000 to visit the symposium, said Cate Thacker, director of development for Paraquad Inc., a non-profit center that offers services to assist people with disabilities to live independently.
"Our intention is for the fair to be an event where people can access a wide variety of information, technology and community resources," Thacker said. "If we can connect one person with a manufacturer or service organization and enable them to live independently that's the whole purpose of this event."
Technology for life
What: The Assistive Technology Consumer Fair
When: Noon to 8 p.m. on May 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 13th
Where: Hall 1 at America's Center, 801 Convention Plaza.
Admission: Free
Information: Call (314) 289-4200 (voice), (314) 289-4252 (tele typewriter) or visit www.paraquad.org.
