FeedsOn a roll
Loan program offers equipment purchase aid
Jason Tyus can now ride his bike outdoors like other boys his age.
Tyus, an active 10-year-old who was born with cerebral palsy, needs exercise to help with his coordination, and a therapist suggested he try biking to increase his range of motion and muscle strength.
The problem was the family, which includes two other children, could not afford to buy a modified bicycle to meet Jason’s needs.
The United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan’s (UCP) Assistive Technology Loan Fund and Tele-Work Loan Funds changed all of that recently when Norma Jean Tyus, Jason’s mother, applied for a loan to help defray the cost of the bike.
“More than 25 percent of the people with disabilities in Michigan have low incomes and cannot afford to buy assistive technology devices outright,” said Linda Potter, UCP Michigan executive director. “The loan fund gives people like Norma the opportunity to borrow money for items like Jason’s bicycle that increase their independence and their ability to be part of their communities.”
The loan program is available for families who meet certain income requirements and who can prove assistive technology can enhance their lives.
Assistive technology refers to a wide range of devices that give people with disabilities and seniors more independence – including hearing aids, wheelchairs and modified vans. The number of devices that can improve mobility for people afflicted with cerebral palsy and other conditions, or who have been injured in an accident, has improved, but insurance coverage to pay for the devices is often non-existent, said Potter.
Both loan funds provide low interest, fixed-rate loans to Michigan residents. They are projects of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth/ Rehabilit-ation Services, United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, and Option 1 Credit Union of Lansing.
The loans require reasonable payments, and made the bicycle an affordable option for the Tyus family.
The bicycle Jason Tyus uses is similar to the one he uses during physical therapy sessions, and the cost can reach several hundred dollars. The UCP loan plan breaks the payments down to a manageable monthly amount, Potter said.
The main difference between Jason’s bike and others is that it has a lower center of gravity, which helps Jason stabilize his body on the bike.
The bicycle can be used outdoors, so Jason can enjoy the warm weather, Potter said.
To obtain an application for a loan, contact United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan at 1-800-828-2714 or visit the Michigan Loans Fund website at www.michiganloanfunds.org.
