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Wheelchair Truck Funding - HELP JOE ROLL!!
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I am Joseph Ouellette, a quadriplegic wheelchair user from the Dearborn Michigan area. I broke my neck at the age of 15 in 1995 from a backyard wrestling accident. I was very active before my injury with Freestyle Wrestling and had goals to be in the Olympics. I worked a lot as a youth and involved with a carpentry apprenticeship and planned to be a master Carpenter growing up. I like to create ability over disability and rise to challenge so I'm now a Michigan licensed building contractor/Building Plan Reviewer and represent myself as a quadriplegic Carpenter, creating accessible areas for wheelchair users and the senior community. I also work full-time as a construction estimator for an employer who gave me a great opportunity. I have a professional certification as a nationwide building accessibility inspector and Ada coordinator. I'm working to develop a nonprofit organization that helps other wheelchair users have quality of life with outdoor adaptive activities. I'm involved with spinal cord injury support groups assisting new patients with learning daily living activities and adjusting with their new lifestyle.
I keep myself extremely busy and 100% independent with driving from my wheelchair in an accessible minivan so transportation plays a big role accomplishing responsibilities and allowing freedom in life. The automatic wheelchair ramp and side door for this vehicle is not reliable anymore and I have been stuck inside or outside during the cold and in not great areas recently. I currently have a 2006 Chrysler Minivan, beyond my financial means to repair and maintain but also causing issues being reliable with work or responsibilities and safety concerns. I'm reaching out to request any support, encouragement or resources that will be helpful keeping me mobile. A wheelchair accessible truck that is built for me to drive independently will be most beneficial in the construction field and Michigan Winters. I have the option for a new build or pre-owned and both will require automatic door opening system, automatic wheelchair lift system, wheelchair restraint system, gas brake hand lever and steering control, reduced effort power steering system, push button gear shift system. Thank you very much for reading my story
Organizer
Joseph Ouellette
Organizer
Dearborn Heights, MI