Independent Perspective 1688 with Kimberly Naus about the Sit'n'Stand Portable Inflatable Self-Rising Seat.

Host:  Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Kimberly Naus, Director of the University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology and I'm your host Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Kim.

Guest:  Hi Ernie, thank you for having me.

Host:  We're delighted to have you. As always, you're here thanks to the ongoing support of TRAID. For people for whom that's something new, could you tell us what that stands for, and its importance to people with disabilities?

Guest:  Yes, TRAID is the acronym for Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities. It's a federally funded program. And it's the goal is to inform people of assistive devices and what can be appropriate for various disabilities. And an assistive device can be any item, product, piece of equipment to increase or maintain, to improve the function of daily living for individuals. It can be as simple as a phone book, that it becomes a monitor riser. It is free to the community. There are 12 centers throughout New York State. We are fortunate to oversee Western New York and we are more than happy if someone were to call us to demonstrate a device; if it needs to be remote, we can do that. Provide information, referrals and also step in and purchasing devices that they may think they need but they're not sure so we can brainstorm with them. And if we have the funding, we're more than happy to purchase that device, call them when it comes in and then they can borrow it.

Host:  That's great. Before we use up the whole show with the generalities, you're here to focus today on the portable Sit'n'Stand. Who does that serve and how does it work?

Guest:  The portable Sit'n'Stand can serve a diverse population. I mean obviously by the name, if you need assistance with sitting and standing and maybe your doctor told you to buy a lift recliner. So, a lift recliners can be in the $1,000 range. So, where this could be purchased for $500.It’s suitable for any style chair. It is portable, weighing eight pounds, eight ounces. It’s very simple to use with full control. It has a washable seat cover and the allowable weight for lifting, just to be aware, is 265 pounds. And the rechargeable battery on it can last four to seven days. It's very suitable for a senior, somebody wanting to live independent and it's great and we have it here at the center. So if you're listening to this show, and you're thinking you know, I'm always struggling getting out of the car, it could be struggling with getting, obviously you have to be a convertible because you're being lifted up. But also (inaudible) a standard couch, even to take it to a doctor's office, you could easily take it with you, it comes with a nice storage bag and try it out from us and then make that decision. I know $500 is a lot of money. I know insurances won’t pay this, but as I always tell clients that come through, we all have birthdays, Christmas, various holidays where people are buying gift cards or little trinkets. You know, just be upfront and honest, I'm saving for a device, get a coffee can and just start throwing your dollars, quarter's whatever you need and that $500 can add up fast. In addition to that there is also a loan program and if anybody wants information on that it's a low interest loan through New York State. I can help with that also.

Host:  That's amazing how an inflatable little thing like that can make a difference in someone's life. We're running low on time, but I'm sure people will have questions. How can they reach you?

Guest:  They can reach me at 716-836-1350 is my direct line. But they can also call 716-836-1168 and anybody here at the Center can give somebody a hand.

Host:  Thanks so much for being with us, Kim.

Guest:  Thank you Ernie and have a great day.

Host:  You too. You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Kimberly Naus, Director of the University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology, and I've been your host Ernie Churchwell.