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ARA) – This fall, Matthew Fink of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., will be a sophomore at Carleton College, a private liberal arts school in Northfield, Minn., and he’s already the big man on campus. Not because he plays sports, is a movie star or a child genius, but because he’s an inspiration to everyone he meets.
When he was just 1 1/2 years old, Matthew contracted a septic infection that affected the circulation in his arms and legs. So much damage was done that doctors had to amputate his arms and his legs to save him.
Matt has had to use a wheelchair for most of his life, but that hasn’t slowed him down. He participated in his high school’s debate team, graduated from high school with honors, got perfect scores in math and chemistry on his SATs and was accepted to seven prestigious colleges. He chose Carleton because of its proximity to home and its reputation for academic excellence.
When they found out he’d be attending, the college made accommodations to make it easier for Matthew to get around, and when he showed up for his first day of school, he surprised everyone by rolling right past the ramp that they had built for him and going up the stairs with the other students instead.
How is that possible? With the help of his high-tech wheelchair, the INDEPENDENCE iBOT 4000 Mobility System. In addition to making it possible for Matthew to go up stairs, the iBOT Mobility System is also capable of maneuvering over rough terrain, going over curbs, balancing on two wheels, and at the touch of a button, raising him to eye level with people who have use of their legs.
In addition to helping amputees like Matthew, the iBOT Mobility System can also make a difference in the quality of life for people living with a range of other disabilities, including spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and ALS.
“The iBOT Mobility System, isn’t for everyone, but it has opened doors in so many ways by helping me become more independent. This device has the potential to help a lot of people,” says Fink.
To view an online demonstration of how the iBOT Mobility System works, click here. The chair is designed for people between 75 and 250 pounds who are capable of using a joystick. It is covered by the Veterans Health Administration and some private insurance companies.
Log on to www.ibotnow.com to find out more information about the iBOT Mobility System.
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