Stamp of Approval

Forty years ago, most of the equipment for children with disabilities were yet to be created. I have a dear aunt that had told me that when her son was little and in need of a wheelchair...they simply did not exist. Her father-in-law should be inducted into the "Grandfathers Hall Of Fame" for 'making' a wheelchair for his precious grandson by adding onto a stroller. I often think of  that conversation while ordering new equipment for Cody.

Cody uses a variety of equipment on a daily basis at home and at school. This blog post highlights some of the best. These get Cody's stamp of approval (mine as well):

Until four years ago, Cody was still in a crib. I had searched for a bed that was like a hospital bed (BUT COOLER) and found the Sleep Safe Plus bed.

http://www.sleepsafebed.com/Products/sleepsafe2.htm

The safety rail windows enable us to view Cody as he lies in bed and he can see out. The bed has motorized controls for repositioning. The ability to raise and lower the bed makes changing his diapers and clothes so much more convenient.  Before the Sleep Safe, I was forced to change him on the floor. My back is especially appreciative of the Sleep Safe bed!

Spring 2011 we made one of the best purchases for Cody.....his very own bike!

http://www.rifton.com/products/mobility/adaptivetricycles/index.html



I had received a call one day from Cody's physical therapist at school. She had place Cody onto a bike and he was suddenly Lance Armstrong. I was skeptical at first since we had tried him out on various equipment and couldn't get the proper positioning for him to access the bike effectively. This was yet another example of Cody exceeding expectations. He wasn't just riding the bike....he was having a ball!! Cody now has a bike for home and school.  Every child should have a bike!

The most recent purchase for Cody is most essential for him to have a 'voice' in this world. Cody is non-verbal. He does find ways of communicating through gestures, sounds, etc.... We've had a communication device in the past but with little success. Cody would become easily frustrated and simply turn the device off(which was humorous the FIRST time). Words can't express (perhaps I need a communication device) how thrilled we are with him utilizing his ECO 2 by Prentke Romich. https://store.prentrom.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/53
I believe his recent achievements with the ECO 2 is a result of updated technology, and his maturity.  After a month with his new ECO 2, this is a sampling of a conversation between Cody and myself.......