Context:

Devin Glim is a former member of the 2018/19 Youth Action Council at the Disability Justice Network of Ontario. He played a key part in advocating for city-funded sidewalk snow removal in Hamilton, Ontario, by writing opinion articles, helping organize delegations at City Hall, one-on-one meetings with Council members, and more. He also was a key organizer around our campaign to Reform the Assistive Devices Program in Ontario, which resulted in a motion being read at Queens Park by the Accessibility Critic.

Devin has a disability that limits almost all body movement, and with isolation during the pandemic, his movement capacity has declined. This assistive device/arm would allow Devin to be independent as he lives his life, and it is the opinion of DJNO that devices like this should not be privatized. For this reason, we are supporting him with his quest to fundraise for an assistive device. He has a demo to test out a Jaco Robotic Arm but cannot purchase the product without some support and is now asking for our help in supporting the cost of an expensive but much-needed assistive device.

Here is what Devin has to say:

Hi everyone!

I’m doing an online fundraiser for a Jaco Robotic Arm and would be absolutely thrilled if you would be willing to help me out!!

I do not like asking for help for anything, and I acknowledge the contexts and struggles that are being faced by so many today. However, I also realize that the extra abilities the arm would give me would allow me to complete my studies, have an impactful career, and live my life with dignity and more independence than I have ever known.

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly (lol...), there is no public funding for this type of device, and private insurance is no help at all, so here we are!

I do not take any donation for granted and I will be forever grateful to everyone who helps me make this happen. The arm would make an immediate and incredible impact on my life and those around me, and I cannot wait to use my new abilities to pass it forward and continue the generosity and efforts made to dismantle the obstacles preventing people from accessing the devices and supports that they need.

About The Arm:

Have you ever been stuck outside mid-January because the electronic-door button is out of reach; hoping that someone walks by that can open the door for you? How about ordering a drink at a café only to find out there are no straws? Want a snack but nobody is around? Itchy nose?? The above scenarios are a daily reality that would disappear with the Jaco Robotic Arm.

From the simplest tasks to the most complex maneuvers, the Jaco arm is amazing! It is easily operable with the same controller as my wheelchair and opens a world of possibilities that I never thought possible. Thank you so much for reading this, and if you are able, please consider helping me reach my

goal.

Devin Glim