Partnership With Ability KC's Adaptive Gaming Program Continues to Help Enhance the Lives of Adults and Kids Living with Disabilites

Sept. 2022 Kansas City, MO --The MO Better Foundation team visited Ability KC and toured its Adaptive Gaming lab learning how specialize Adaptive Gaming and Communication Technology Equipment-- some of which MO Better Foundation provided -— is being used as part of the Occupational Therapy treatment program for those recovering from Strokes and other disabilities/disorders

"Being disabled is a lonely experience. Gaming reminds me I am not alone"-- Paul, 45 living with Cerebral Palsy

Studies show that Adaptive Gaming does not only allow patients an outlet to have fun, they also benefit from the therapeutic aspects of gaming, including:

Motor Control/Movement: Using adaptive video game controllers helps patients work on their dexterity and muscle memory by pressing buttons and moving the joysticks.
Strength: Repetitive movements, like those required in many video games, help patients build strength over time.
Balance: Movement-based games help improve balance from both seated and standing positions.
Fitness: Wii Fit, Nintendo Switch sports games and Xbox Kinect Adventure are a few examples of games that target overall health and fitness.
Vision and Perception: Games that require aiming or quick reaction help improve hand and eye coordination.
Cognition/Attention: Puzzle or strategy-based games work on memory and thinking skills.
Pain Management/Relaxation: Games and apps such as Headspace and Breathe2Relax can help with pain management and teach relaxation techniques.

LET EVERYONE ACCESS TECHNOLOGY: MO Better Foundation Donation of GlassOuse Pro and GlassOuse Link Will Open Up New World For Those Living With Physical Disabilities

Sept. 2022, Kansas City, MO --Earlier this year -- because of your continued support -- MO Better Foundation invested in a campaign to help the creators of Glassouse bring to market the GlassOuse Pro, a "more better" version of the popular GlassOuse which helps people with physical disabilities and life-changing injuries use their smartphones, tablets, and computers like everybody else

We are excited to announce that the funding campaign has ended and as a result, MO Better has received the GlassOue Pro and several other pieces of equipment including the GlassOuse Link, nine different adaptive switches, wearable devices, an adaptive gaming joystick, and more.

This week, we recently donated those items to our partners at Missouri Assistive Technology, so that they can use them for assessment and demonstration at their facility in Kansas City, MO and throughout the state.

GlassOuse PRO is a wireless Bluetooth head mouse that allows individuals with limited limb mobility to use their head movements to direct the cursor on the screen. This mouse operates in the exact same way a traditional laptop and computer mouse works. Also, adaptable and perfect for pairing with multiple buttons (G-Switches) to enjoy making more mouse clicks.

GlassOuse Link acts as an external switch that enables users to operate the device using different Assistive switches activated by your finger, foot, biting, or even puffing air, and it can be fixed to a wheelchair. GlassOuse Link acts as a switch control accessory for Switch mode that allows users to use iOS (switch control)/Android (switch access) scanning mode to control their devices. Switch controls enable users to select items, drag, drop, and even activate Siri, ensuring you're not missing out on those all-important features.

The mission of Missouri Assistive Technology is to increase access to assistive technology for Missourians with all types of disabilities, of all ages.

Founded in 2017, MO Better Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that helps enhance the quality of life of Missourians with physical disabilities. With the support of a caring community, MO Better provides funds to aid in purchasing items to assist in daily living - particularly items related to technology, transportation and mobility -- when no other funding source is available, or when other funding sources are not adequate to cover the costs

A Legacy of Giving Continues

Aug 2022 - In June, we lost one of the sweetest, loving and most caring humans to walk the Earth -- Jeanne Weber Welborn. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ALL WHO GAVE IN OUR MOM'S MEMORY.

As many of you know, our mom spent some 40 years as a speech pathologist helping kids and young adults with speech impediments. Other than her Faith and family, her career as a speech pathologist was her passion. She knew that few things are so frustrating as knowing what you want to say but being unable to express it, or having simple questions but being unable to get them answered.

With donations we received from Jeanne Welborn Memorials following her passing in June, we were able to help purchase Control Bionic's NeuroNode Trilogy speech-generating device for Tad, a gentleman from the Springfield, MO area living with a progressive neurological disorder that affects his movement, coordination and speech. Few things are so frustrating as knowing what you want to say but being unable to express it, or having simple questions but being unable to get them answered

The NeuroNode Trilogy is the first of its kind all-in-one SGD that combines the power of eyegaze (pictured) with the NeuroNode technology. NeuroNode allows Tad to communicate over either the short-term or the long-term, alleviating anxiety and increasing his comfort and independence. NeuroNode is an outlet for individuals who are otherwise trapped in their heads.

DONATION OF RAMP ALLOWS JEAN THE OPPORTUNTIY TO REGAIN
FREEDOM HER AND MOBILITY

June 2022 -- We recently met a woman Jean, a sweet woman from Arnold, MO whose age and physical impairment limited her mobility. A short walk from her bedroom to the living room was a chore, and, becoming dangerous. A friend of hers reached out to MO Better Foundation after Jean had returned from a hospital stay caused by a fall she sustained walking up the stairs into her house. She was worried and asked us if there was something we could do to help. Thanks to YOUR donations, we were able to provide a motorized wheelchair and a ramp for Jean. A few days after we delivered the equipemnt, Jean let us know that -- while she was a little afraid to use the ramp -- the chair was a "Godsend" and had given her independence back to her. SHE WAS SO APPRECIATIVE.

Yesterday we heard back from Jean's friend, Allsion, and we were SO PLEASED to learn that Jean was able get out of her house, down the ramp and to an appointment. She was so happy to get out. Allison mentioned that she will continue to work with Jean on the ramp, with the goal of a trip through the neighborhood to visit friends and neighbors.

YOU MADE THIS HAPPEN. WE CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS THANKS TO A MOTHER'S LOVE FOR HER SON AND A VERY CARING COMMUNITY

Recently, MO Better Foundation Founder, Dave Welborn received a call from a long-time friend, Todd Waldman. In addition to being an all-around good guy, Todd is an executive with his family's business, Essex Industries, and was made aware of the situation involving one of his employee.

It seems the woman, Renee, has a son who was paralyzed following an automobile accident a few months back. Her son, James, is just 23 and his world -- their world- was suddenly turned upside down. He has spent the past 4 months in the hospital and rehab facility.

For the past several weeks, Renee was reaching out to any and everyone to help her find the necessary resources and equipment to get her son home. Despite working with a social worker and others, she was striking out. As a last resort -- and out of shear desperation -- she posted a plea for help on Essex's intraoffice webpage. Renee told her son's story and mentioned that all she wanted was to get him home for the Holidays. She mentioned that among other things, she need help finding -- or building -- a ramp to get him into her home. It was the last piece of the puzzle before the medical team could discharge him. She had no idea where to turn.

Todd saw the post and even though he had never met Renee before (Essex has many employees throughout the area), Todd took it to heart and IMMEDIATELY got on the phone to see what he could do to help. Sidenote: Todd was (is) a long-time summer camp volunteer with Welborn and then and as a volunteer for KEEN St. Louis when Welborn headed up that program.

After hearing from Todd, Welborn reached out to a Brian Randolph, who owns and operates the Amramp St. Louis franchise and made him aware of the situation. Without missing a beat, Brian said he could help get things together. And despite being one VERY busy time for him, Brian and his brother, Jonathan, were able to get him out to the house that day and start the process.

Long story short, we are VERY happy to say that, because of the unwavering love of a mother, the quick thinking of a caring employer, two extremely kind gentleman who is made this their priority COMBINED with the generous donations MO Better has received this year (many of which came from you) JAMES MADE IT HOME! He will spend the Holidays with family and friends and start a new chapter in his life!! Welcome home James!

MO BETTER FOUNDATION SUPPORTS NATIONAL EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE STEM STUDENTS TO MAKE REAL-WORLD DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND THEM

MO Better Foundation recently presented a $2,000 check to help support Kansas City- based REACH CHALLENGE, an Adaptive & Assistive Technology project in which middle school, high school, and college students help students use their STEM skills to reach out and assist a member of their community who has a challenge to overcome.

“This project really is life changing, not only for the person receiving the adaptive technology, but for the students and their teachers as well,” said Gavin Wood, Co-Founder of REACH Challenge and an award-winning STEM educator from The Barstow School est 1884 in Kansas City, MO. Woods partnered with the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), a professional organization for technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators to develop REACH Challenge. Woods recently joined the MO Better Foundation Advisory Council. Woods and his wife, Andrea, came up with the concept and created the Challenge, which has taken off Nationally thanks to the support of ITEEA.

“This was our first year with REACH Challenge and we are absolutely blown away by these students’ innovations,” said Steve Barbato, ITEEA Executive Director. “We couldn’t be more excited to honor these teams for their accomplishments.”

In this first year for REACH Challenge, teams created such AT solutions as:

A “Bat Cane” using sensors to help a boy with visual impairments and mobility challenges be able to sense objects around him. The boy’s paraprofessional described the invention as a “game changer” for his students.
A specialized napkin folder to help a man with Down syndrome gain employment;
A customized, fine motor skills toy for a special education classroom that could only afford one educational toy for their classroom every two years;
A hydraulic leg-lifting chair for a woman with Multiple Sclerosis;
An innovative beach wheelchair for a classmate with Cerebral Palsy;
A hand stretching device for a woman who survived a stroke at a young age.

"Seeing the innovation, creativity and, most importantly, compassion of these STEM students warms the heart" said Dave Welborn, Founder and Exec. Dir. of MO Better Foundation. "We are excited to be a part of this effort and similar efforts to not only to influence but help stimulate asssistive projects aimed at making life 'more better' for those living with disabilities."

Welborn added that MO Better Foundation will continued its support next year and for several years after. "We are anxious to be a part of the growth of this life enhancing venture," he said.

ABOUT ITEEA

ITEEA represents more than 35,000 secondary technology and engineering educators in the U.S. alone who are developers, administrators, and university personnel in the field representing all levels of education. ITEEA corporate members are comprised of leading technology companies. ITEEA's mission is that "Technology and Engineering Bring STEM to Life!” ITEEA seeks to meet the professional needs and interests of members, as well as to improve public understanding of technology, innovation, design, and engineering education and its contributions.

Click here to see video of the finalists projects: https://tinyurl.com/REACH-Challenge-2019)

Click here for complete Media Advisory from ITEEA: https://www.iteea.org/News/282/168867.aspx…

Tessmer Using Life Experience to Help Others in the Workforce

Congratulations to Jonathan Tessmer, President of the MO Better Friends

Young Professionals Group and member of the MO Better Foundation Advisory Council for being selected to Co-Chair Cushman & Wakefield 's

National "Leading with Education and Awareness of Disabilities" Employee

Resource Group. The goal of the group is to build and leverage a diverse and

inclusive environment at Cushman & Wakefield that wholly and positively

impacts people with disabilities, and those whose lives are touched by them.

Tessmer, a Support Coordinator in Asset Services at Cushman & Wakefield,

lives with a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Last year, he reached out to

management seeking to use his life experience living with a physical disability

to create a resource to help others in and outside organization.

“Our vision is to play a progressive role in the defining and furthering of an inclusive workplace for those that care about disabilities, learning differences, specials needs, or neurodiversity, whether for themselves or a child, relative, or friend through sharing advice and building awareness, community involvement and support and become an inclusive employer in the marketplace," Tessmer said.

"We also seek to embrace diversity and provide multiple resources that help us deliver outstanding service to our shareholders and clients which prepare them for what’s next, ” he added.

Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with 51,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 70 countries. In 2018, the firm had revenue of $8.2 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services.

Congratulations and THANK YOU, Jonathan and the leadership team of Cushman & Wakefield, for recognizing the need and creating this very important group. We are anxious to see -- and support -- your efforts.

Note: Jonathan is married to Sarah Tessmer, who also works at Cushman & Wakefield as Assistant Property Manager and Chair Elect of Cushman & Wakefield's Future Leaders. Sarah is VP of MO Better Friends. We are blessed to be surrounded by good people.

Gavin Wood Joins Advisory Council

We are very excited to announce that Gavin Wood has agreed to serve on the MO Better Foundation's Advisory Council. The MO Better Advisory Council is a team of individuals (all volunteers) from many different fields who lend their shared expertise and knowledge to help the organization build awareness and grow our mission and help individuals living with disabilities live "more better."

Gavin has been a STEM educator for 17 years and holds a Masters in Education. His focus on engineering for social good, design-thinking, and developing an ecosystem of innovation with his students has earned him numerous recognitions, including the FIRST Robitics Competition Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Teacher Excellence Award, and the Lawrence W. Prakken Professional Cooperation Award.

As the STEAM Director for The Barstow School est 1884 in Kansas in Kansas City, Gavin designs curriculum that reinforces user-centered design and the “empathy” part of the Engineering Design process. In his role as head coach of a world-championship level FIRST Robotics team (FRC Team 1939), Wood developed a global partnership with GoBabyGo, which creates adaptive technology to help children with mobility challenges. Wood founded and operates an online forum (www.gbgconnect.com), connecting families in need with GoBabyGo chapters worldwide, and provides how-to manuals to teach others how to make adaptive technology for children in their communities.

To encourage more STEM programs to incorporate adaptive technology projects into their curriculum, Wood and his wife, Andrea, founded REACH Challenge @Reach Challenge (www.reachchallenge.org) in cooperation with ITEEA in 2019, developing a unique toolkit of resources for participating teams. REACH Challenge is an impactful Adaptive & Assistive Technology design-thinking project for middle school, high school, and college students. See link for more info https://youtu.be/WqoWsQqfgww

GRANTS GIVEN TO TWO MISSOURI NONPROFITS THATS SHARE OUR MISSION

This past year, the MO Better Foundation team has been meeting with organizations throughout Missouri that share our mission to make life "more better" for individuals living with physical disabilities. MO Better Foundation provides funds to Missourians living with disabilities to aid in purchasing items to assist in daily living - particularly items related to technology, transportation, recreation, home modification and mobility.

To that end, we've had several follow-up meetings and conversations with two organizations in particular, Paraquad in St. Louis, MO and Ability KC in Kansas City, MO. Both organizations -- and their leadership teams -- are VERY impressive and align themselves perfectly with what we are trying to achieve. Together, they serve thousands of adults and children on both sides of the state each year.

In November, MO Better Foundation presented checks to both organizations to help them grow the following programs. The checks come with a pledge to fund the programs for additional year (or longer).

Paraquad's "Ramp Up for Accessibility" Project, an annual ramp building and modification project which includes the building of exterior wheelchair ramps and interior home modifications to increase accessibility, independence and safety. Annually, the project includes 15-20 project sites, and it benefits the families that live in those homes.

Ability KC's "Adaptive Gaming" Program, a unique program aimed at using the positive impact of video games to bring people together and improve the quality of life through rehabilitation and leisure activities. The program has three components:

~ utilize adaptive gaming activities as a therapeutic method and access to leisure.

~ adapt video gaming methods to pursue or resume a leisure interest

~ create an opportunity to experience adaptive gaming and broaden social community for individuals with disabilities

MO BETTER FOUNDATION