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| New CReATE technician, Tom Boman, refurbishing a wheelchair. |
He later learned he had Vestibular neuronitis from nerve damage in his ear. Boman embarked on a new career journey, and ended up at the Utah Assistive Technology Lab.
Boman said, "I had an office job for over 12 years. I wouldn't have otherwise encountered assistive technology - this has ended up being an opportunity."
After getting his feet wet in AT, Boman applied for the new technician position at CReATE (Citizen's Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment). CReATE is an initiative of UATP to help Utahn's with disabilities get low-cost mobility equipment. The program takes in donated mobility devices and refurbishes and sanitizes them - Boman's new job.
"It's great to be part of the potential at CReATE, and to help people," Boman said. "I'd eventually like to get into other AT as well."
He is working on receiving his ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) certification from RESNA. This will enable him to evaluate individuals for wheelchairs, among other skills.
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| Some of the devices in the CReATE inventory. |
The short-term goal, Boman said, is to increase the amount of devices in the refurbished inventory so the amount of devices getting out can be doubled. He is also making more space for donations.
"I want people to have lots of options to choose from when they come in," Boman said.
Boman is available at tom.boman@usu.edu, and works at CReATE Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Faye Hauser is the office coordinator and can be reached at 801-887-9398 from Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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| The CReATE team, Faye, Tom & Alma showing their pride! |
"Working for UATP has put into perspective the disability I deal with; there are people who have things that are a lot harder," Boman said. "This helps makes my struggles seem insignificant, and I enjoy being able to do the things I can to contribute."
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