My name is Liina Paasuke. I am initiating a Go Fund Me page to request donations for high tech driving modifications to be able to resume driving and regain my freedom. A little about myself, my parents were refugees from Estonia during World War 11. They lost most of their family and friends during the war. I was born in a Displaced Persons Camp in Germany in 1948. I am an only child . We were sponsored to the U.S. and came over by ship and landed in Boston and then took a train to Grand Rapids MI. I was 17 months old. When we arrived in Boston, I was able to walk but by the time we reached Grand Rapids, I was not. I had contracted Polio which paralyzed both legs and caused weakness in my back. This was before the polio vaccine was available. Following multiple surgeries and much therapy , I was able to walk using leg braces and crutches. These costs were paid for through the March of Dimes. I learned to drive at the age of 16 with the use of standard hand controls.
These braces and crutches allowed me to live independently for many years, something I take great pride in. I have a Bachelors and Masters Degree from the University of Michigan. I've been single my entire life but worked full time for the (State of Michigan ) Michigan Rehabilitation Services assigned to University Hospital in Ann Arbor for 36 years. I worked as a rehabilitation counselor helping others with physical and other types of challenges become gainfully employed. I was also gifted with the opportunity to sponsor a 15 year old boy from Armenia who became my foster son and who has been a joy in my life. During these years, I also have been able to live in my own home independently. I have now been retired for about 12 years.
In 1990, I developed Post Polio Syndrome which causes many Post-Polio Survivors to experience increased fatigue, pain, and weakness after 30-40 years post their original onset of polio. Due to the long-term strain on my arms and shoulders from crutch walking, I had to start using a scooter. My shoulders continued to deteriorate requiring surgery in 2016 and 2018. In spite of these surgeries, I have developed even more weakness and decreased range of motion in my shoulders. Since 2016, I have not been able to drive as I can no longer reach or maneuver the steering wheel. I also now use a power wheelchair. I purchased a used, low mileage wheelchair ramp equipped van as well as $16,000 worth of recommended driving equipment. Due, to changes in my condition, it turned out that I was not able to use this equipment safely or reliably. I have not been out of town in 6 years. I have been using Ann Arbor Handicap Public Transportation to get around town. Reservations must be made a day, or better yet 2 days, in advance and availability is dependent on their scheduling constraints and hours of operation. Although I am grateful for its assistance , I can do nothing spontaneously and I long to be able to "run to the store" when I need to, go to a concert and not have to leave part way through, visit friends, take my service dog to the park, or to see Lake Michigan again!
Always striving to improve my independence, I discovered Specialized Driving Services of Michigan in Okemos. They assess high-tech driving adaptations for people with severe physical limitations, such as myself. The driving evaluation itself cost $1595 and it did prove that I can drive safely with additional training (at a cost of $295 per hour.) This equipment is much more suitable to my needs and limitations and can be adjusted if I should experience further changes. The only company in Michigan which installs this type of equipment is Clock Conversions in Grand Rapids. To my surprise and dismay, the cost to adapt my vehicle is $63,000. None of these costs are covered by any insurance or human service agency.
These driving adaptations are really quite amazing! I would be driving from my wheelchair which locks into place in the front driving position. The 6-8 inch steering wheel is mounted on the side of the right arm rest of the wheelchair in a comfortable position. It has a knob for better control of the steering. On the side of left arm rest, a small box with a vertical T-bar is mounted; sliding it forward operates the brake and sliding it backwards operates the gas. Other functions needed ie the wipers are voice activated. Needless to say, all these modifications take a significant amount of engineering to accomplish! Others can also drive the van in the usual fashion with the normal controls although the driver's seat would need to be moved back in place as of course it needs to be removed when I am driving.
In addition to losing my ability to drive, I lost my ability to transfer to and from my wheelchair. I now need home care every A.M. and P.M. to transfer to and from bed. The annual cost for this care is $45,000 at current rates. I have temporary coverage for these services but will have to assume the cost myself in the near future. Home care is not a cost covered by Medicare. I have already remortgaged my house twice to cover van purchase and home remodeling costs. Some remodeling was needed to improve wheelchair accessibility so that I could remain in my home.. My church, First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, assisted with some of the labor involved in the remodeling. My mortgage is now scheduled to be paid off in 2030.
While I worked all my life to help others and have maintained my home and independence, at age 74, I'm now facing an overwhelming amount of debt with all of these costs. Following the encouragement of friends, I've decided to ask for help toward the $63,000 required to adapt my van and regain my freedom. Being able to drive would make a huge positive change in my life! If you are uncomfortable with your name appearing with the amount donated, there is a boxed that can be checked to eliminate this. It is located after the donate button and credit card information is entered. If you are also uncomfortable donating online, contributions can also be sent instead to my P.O. Box 3088, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide in my quest to sustain my independence. I am grateful for any amount that you might be able to give. I would also be most thankful if you can share this Go Fund Me link (https://gofund.me/ba68ffb3) with your friends and network to spread the word!
These braces and crutches allowed me to live independently for many years, something I take great pride in. I have a Bachelors and Masters Degree from the University of Michigan. I've been single my entire life but worked full time for the (State of Michigan ) Michigan Rehabilitation Services assigned to University Hospital in Ann Arbor for 36 years. I worked as a rehabilitation counselor helping others with physical and other types of challenges become gainfully employed. I was also gifted with the opportunity to sponsor a 15 year old boy from Armenia who became my foster son and who has been a joy in my life. During these years, I also have been able to live in my own home independently. I have now been retired for about 12 years.
In 1990, I developed Post Polio Syndrome which causes many Post-Polio Survivors to experience increased fatigue, pain, and weakness after 30-40 years post their original onset of polio. Due to the long-term strain on my arms and shoulders from crutch walking, I had to start using a scooter. My shoulders continued to deteriorate requiring surgery in 2016 and 2018. In spite of these surgeries, I have developed even more weakness and decreased range of motion in my shoulders. Since 2016, I have not been able to drive as I can no longer reach or maneuver the steering wheel. I also now use a power wheelchair. I purchased a used, low mileage wheelchair ramp equipped van as well as $16,000 worth of recommended driving equipment. Due, to changes in my condition, it turned out that I was not able to use this equipment safely or reliably. I have not been out of town in 6 years. I have been using Ann Arbor Handicap Public Transportation to get around town. Reservations must be made a day, or better yet 2 days, in advance and availability is dependent on their scheduling constraints and hours of operation. Although I am grateful for its assistance , I can do nothing spontaneously and I long to be able to "run to the store" when I need to, go to a concert and not have to leave part way through, visit friends, take my service dog to the park, or to see Lake Michigan again!
Always striving to improve my independence, I discovered Specialized Driving Services of Michigan in Okemos. They assess high-tech driving adaptations for people with severe physical limitations, such as myself. The driving evaluation itself cost $1595 and it did prove that I can drive safely with additional training (at a cost of $295 per hour.) This equipment is much more suitable to my needs and limitations and can be adjusted if I should experience further changes. The only company in Michigan which installs this type of equipment is Clock Conversions in Grand Rapids. To my surprise and dismay, the cost to adapt my vehicle is $63,000. None of these costs are covered by any insurance or human service agency.
These driving adaptations are really quite amazing! I would be driving from my wheelchair which locks into place in the front driving position. The 6-8 inch steering wheel is mounted on the side of the right arm rest of the wheelchair in a comfortable position. It has a knob for better control of the steering. On the side of left arm rest, a small box with a vertical T-bar is mounted; sliding it forward operates the brake and sliding it backwards operates the gas. Other functions needed ie the wipers are voice activated. Needless to say, all these modifications take a significant amount of engineering to accomplish! Others can also drive the van in the usual fashion with the normal controls although the driver's seat would need to be moved back in place as of course it needs to be removed when I am driving.
In addition to losing my ability to drive, I lost my ability to transfer to and from my wheelchair. I now need home care every A.M. and P.M. to transfer to and from bed. The annual cost for this care is $45,000 at current rates. I have temporary coverage for these services but will have to assume the cost myself in the near future. Home care is not a cost covered by Medicare. I have already remortgaged my house twice to cover van purchase and home remodeling costs. Some remodeling was needed to improve wheelchair accessibility so that I could remain in my home.. My church, First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, assisted with some of the labor involved in the remodeling. My mortgage is now scheduled to be paid off in 2030.
While I worked all my life to help others and have maintained my home and independence, at age 74, I'm now facing an overwhelming amount of debt with all of these costs. Following the encouragement of friends, I've decided to ask for help toward the $63,000 required to adapt my van and regain my freedom. Being able to drive would make a huge positive change in my life! If you are uncomfortable with your name appearing with the amount donated, there is a boxed that can be checked to eliminate this. It is located after the donate button and credit card information is entered. If you are also uncomfortable donating online, contributions can also be sent instead to my P.O. Box 3088, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide in my quest to sustain my independence. I am grateful for any amount that you might be able to give. I would also be most thankful if you can share this Go Fund Me link (https://gofund.me/ba68ffb3) with your friends and network to spread the word!
Organizer
Liina Paasuke
Organizer
Ann Arbor, MI