Independent Perspective 1745 with Erin Brunelle on the Slide ‘n Ride Vehicle Transfer Seat

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

Guest:  Thanks.

Host:  And you're here to tell us about an exciting assistive device for people with certain disabilities. But first, we should mention that you're here under the auspices of TRAID and if you could briefly tell us what that is,

Guest:  Of course. So TRAID stands for Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities. So it's actually spelled TRAID. And it's actually a federal law that requires that states operate programs that increase awareness of and access to assistive technology devices. We are the program that serves Western New York, we serve Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties, and we are a public service so we're available with no insurance, no driver's license, no payment or anything. We just ask that you schedule an appointment with us, which you can do by calling 716-836-1168.

Host:  And that's equipment that's available for a tryout on loan, correct?

Guest:  Exactly. So it's essentially for a two month loan. We do have some freedom to extend that as long as needed a little bit longer. Of course, we think about where these things might be useful. And it might be after a short term injury, it might be just to try something, it might be to wait until someone's funding is coming in to purchase them something, so there's a lot of reasons people might access our program, but we're always, always available.

Host:  Wonderful. And you're going to concentrate today on a little known piece of assistive technology for people with mobility problems, the Slide ‘n Ride, what can you tell us about that?

Guest:  I think of the Slide ‘n Ride like a tub bench like a tub of bathtub bench, but for your car. So for someone who maybe has difficulty with squatting into the car that's a difficult movement. I think of my own grandmother who's turning 80, she has pretty bad arthritis and getting into the car is definitely a challenge for her. The Slide ‘n Ride essentially extends a car seat out. So it's a it's a piece of equipment that unfolds, it has a car seat extender, so you'd place the extender next to your existing car seat, and that comes out even past where the car frame is, and then has feet that go down to the floor to support it. Someone can then transfer to the end of it. Do a turn around while they're seated and then slide over. And it can be a lot easier for people than doing the whole squat and turn movement at once trying to get into a standard car.

Host:  That sounds intriguing. When it's in between uses does it telescope on top of the car seat or fold into the car or how do you store it?

Guest:  That’s something that when it's unfolded it's kind of like an upside down L shape. So when it is done being used, you would fold the short part of the L on the long side of the L and put it in a trunk or backseat.

Host:  So it comes off of the seat entirely.

Guest:  Yes, so it is portable. It means you could always find other applications for it as well. It's really designed for vehicles.

Host:  Alrighty, so you can even Slide ‘n Ride someplace other than in your vehicle.

Guest:  Yeah, I can think of it as potentially being useful for the couch situation at home. There's always different seating options that these things can apply to but even just in a vehicle, there's a lot of barriers for a lot of people. So this definitely helps solve a few of them.

Host:  That's wonderful. I'm sure that people will have questions for you. How can they reach you?

Guest:  They can give our center a call at 716-836-1168. If anyone's interested in a free demonstration or two month loan of this can give us a call. We just ask that everyone schedule and appointment before coming over to our center.

Host:  And you have dozens of other pieces of assistive technology and people only need inquire and you'll tell them if you got something.

Guest:  Exactly.

Host:  Wonderful. Well, thank you so much for being with us.

Guest:  Thank you Ernie.

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