Independence through assistive devices
When someone says it’s impossible, I refuse to believe it. If there is a problem there is also always the potential to overcome it. Especially together.
ICAN Assist: Assistive Technology & Peer Consulting
ICAN Assist provides specialized assistive technology consulting built on a foundation of lived experience. With over forty years of navigating life with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type II), I’ve transformed personal barriers into professional knowledge that benefits others.
SMA Type II is a genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness and limited physical mobility. My journey with assistive technology began at just three years old when I received my first power wheelchair. Around that same time, my father began adapting everyday toys to accommodate my limited strength—sparking a lifelong appreciation for how thoughtful technology can enhance independence. At fifteen, I became ventilator dependent which added another dimension to my experience with life-sustaining assistive technology.
This firsthand experience has developed into deep expertise in:
- Evaluating existing assistive technologies
- Recommending optimal solutions for individual needs
- Identifying opportunities to improve current technologies
Through ICAN Assist, I offer professional consulting services to numerous nonprofit organizations across Canada, sharing insights that can only come from lived experience. I provide expert guidance on available assistive technology options while offering peer support that helps individuals build confidence and resilience in navigating their unique barriers.
