Shop Services Q & A

"We're Glad to Help"

Note: A quick chat with theShop Services technician, reveals an extraordinary resource at Courage Center

Q. What’s the purpose of Shop Services?

A: We provide people with disabilities and their families a custom design and fabrication service. We create items that empower our consumers to expand their abilities and to reach their potential.

Q. Give us examples of the things you make.

A: Many! Adapted hockey skates that give an older boy more stability yet look like his peers’. A kiddy car adapted so that a child who needs special seating and a head-operated switch can learn about mobility. An adapted rod and reel that helps a man fish independently. And, of course, a device for one-handed knitting. And, on and on ...

Q. Who can use your service?

A: Local consumers who can work closely with us are the ideal candidates, though we have worked with people from across the country and even the world. Participants in the Courage Residence Program also frequently use our services to create devices that help them make the transition to independent living.

Q. Walk us through a typical product development process.

A: First, the person identifies a specific need, either on his or her own or with the help of a physical or occupational therapist, speech pathologist, other health care professional or his family. Then we all meet to assess the need and come up with possible solutions. Sometimes we modify an existing or commercial item or engineer an entirely new device from scratch. We then meet again to install and test the item and make any revisions, if necessary.

Q. Is there a cost?

A Yes. Though, if the item is deemed medically necessary, then the cost may be covered under Medicare, Medicaid or insurance. In some cases, items not deemed medically necessary may be funded by the consumer’s county-waivered services or by non-profit groups. Many devices are paid out-of-pocket; we usually provide an estimate and work within a person’s budget. We are able to keep our rates affordable with the help of our volunteers.

Q. How many people work in Shop Services?

Parnell: Two part-time staff members and about 20 volunteers.