effective, limiting her independence and ability to work. Me- lissa recalled being hesitant at first but was quickly impressed: “Even in the clinic where I tried it, I was moving more freely than I had in years!” Ability Drive® enabled her to continue living in- dependently and leading her office team without relying on others for support. “I am able to operate as the lead in the office without the assistance of others for 95% of the work,” she said. For Melissa and her support network, the system reduced anx- iety and allowed her to engage more confidently in public and professional settings (Kelbley, personal communication, May 18, 2025). In Denmark, the transformative potential of Ability Drive® is also evident in the experiences of Tasja and Andreas, two indi- viduals whose lives have been changed by the technology. Tasja, the first person in Denmark with progressive generalized dys- tonia and cerebral palsy to independently control her powered wheelchair with her eyes, describes the experience as a “liber- ation.” Installed by Aabentoft at the end of 2023, Ability Drive® allowed her to move and reposition herself freely, enhancing her independence and quality of life: “I used to feel like my wheel- chair was a shackle, but Ability Drive® has taken that away” (A. Lund Kobberø, personal communication, May 5, 2025). Similarly, 17-year-old Andreas Witt Demant, who had long re- lied on a head-controlled 0/1 switch, found new excitement in independent driving. Prior to using Ability Drive®, driving was difficult and often led him to relinquish control to caregivers. With the new system, however, his desire to drive returned. “It’s so magical to see him whizzing around,” his parents shared. His curiosity blossomed, stopping to look at details others might pass by, exploring off-road, and taking full advantage of his en- vironment. The intuitive control and seamless integration with his communication device gave Andreas smoother movement and an easier everyday experience (Aabentoft, 2025).
Andreas Will Demant, in his home in Denmark.
YouTube Video - Andreas Will Demant, navigates his home in Denmark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNllEemo4HU
TECH SUPPORT: A PERSONAL NOTE As a technical support liaison, I work closely with clients, families, ATPs, and clinicians, and I’ve seen firsthand how Ability Drive® improves people’s lives in tangible ways. Whether it’s the relief of adjusting one’s own seating or the pride of navigating independently, these moments reflect more than just technical
YouTube Video - Tasja driving in the Aabentoft offices in Denmark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d725PkX9h5U
11
August / September, 2025 | www.closingthegap.com/membership Closing The Gap © 2025 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
BACK TO CONTENTS
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator