According to the New York State Department of Health, 23.1 percent of adults in Suffolk County have a disability, with many relying on mobility devices. More than half of wheelchair users experience malfunctions that require costly repairs and weeks without mobility, leading to missed appointments, isolation, and increased risk of injury.
In response to this issue, Stony Brook occupational therapy students collaborated with Independence Care System (ICS) On a Roll to host a 'Wheelchair Clean-Up and Tune-Up' event in late April. This free maintenance event for wheelchair users in Suffolk County took place at Stony Brook’s Research and Support Services Building. The event was supported by wheelchair experts and graduating OT students including Rachel Pincus, Meagan Punay, Nicole Droesch, and Garrett Steen.
The objective was to enhance users’ independence with wheelchair maintenance to ensure the longevity of their mobility devices. It also aimed to offer an opportunity for social connections among local wheelchair-using peers.
Funding came from the Dean’s Office at the Stony Brook School of Health Professions and the university's occupational therapy program. Partners included ICS—a comprehensive wheelchair program—and Self-Initiated Living Options (SILO), a nonprofit providing services to people with disabilities throughout Long Island.
Hannah Mercier, an assistant professor in the occupational therapy Master of Science program and organizer of the tune-up event said: “Last semester I got the wheels in motion...and then passed it on to the students to coordinate the remaining activities this semester.” Jean Minkel from ICS donated her time for this community learning event.
Peer leaders Peter Gagliardo from Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital and Matthew Castelluccio from United Spinal Association contributed their expertise as well. “Peter and Matthew were integral to the success of the event,” said Pincus.
Fifteen participants attended along with eight volunteers from the OT department. Local vendor Thomas Bransky of Eldon Medtech donated tools for a raffle during outreach efforts.
“We received a lot of positive feedback...We hope that this event is sustainable,” added Pincus.
Attendee Miki Dash noted: “This event lived up to all my expectations...It was lively and everyone was enthusiastic.”
“The OT students ran a massive marketing effort...They did a phenomenal job with this meaningful event,” concluded Mercier.
– Robert Emproto