Pictured is Kayla Johnston of Spencer, N.Y. Kayla is confined to a wheelchair and has multiple disabilities. In coordination with May’s “National Mobility Awareness Month,” Kayla’s family has a chance to win a wheelchair accessible van via a contest, and asks for your daily vote through May 31. Visit http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/kayla-johnston-spencer-ny/ to vote. (Provided photos)
From left, are John, Kayla and Derrick Johnston of Spencer, N.Y.
The Johnston family of Spencer, N.Y. would like your vote. Your daily vote through May 31 will help the Johnston’s in their efforts to win a wheelchair accessible van via a contest in coordination with the month of May’s “National Mobility Awareness Month.” A wheelchair accessible van would make a considerable difference in the life of Kayla Johnston, who is confined to a wheelchair, as well as for the entire family.
According to the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding mobility options for people with disabilities, there are over 18 million people in North America living with restrictive mobility issues.
A nationwide contest in its fifth year, and sponsored by NMEDA, gives individuals living with a disability and the individuals who dedicate their time to helping someone living with a disability, an opportunity to share their stories of perseverance and strength by entering a contest to win a wheelchair accessible van.
For John and Susie Johnston, a wheelchair accessible van would be beneficial when they take their daughter, Kayla, to doctor appointments.
Kayla, who turns 12 on May 27, is a student at Spencer-Van Etten Middle School. At just two days old, Kayla was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis which caused severe brain damage. Kayla has multiple disabilities, some of which include a seizure disorder, profound hearing loss, is non-verbal, and has cortical visual impairment (CVI).
Susie explained, “Kayla is otherwise healthy, happy and aware of her surroundings. She has her own way of communicating; for example Kayla puts her hands up to her mouth to let us know she’s hungry.”
A wheelchair accessible van would also give the Johnston’s the opportunity to do things as a family that they rarely, if ever, have the chance to do. The Johnston’s find it extremely difficult to enjoy activities together outside of the home with their three children, including sons John, age 9 and Derrick, age 5. Transporting three children and a wheelchair is nearly impossible without a van.
The Johnston’s current van is in need of extensive repairs. Susie shared, “Our current minivan is no longer safe to drive nor is it suitable for Kayla’s needs.”
If they were able to get the van repaired, another obstacle would be an approximate $10,000 cost for a conversion kit to upgrade the van. Other options aren’t possible at this time, such as purchasing a used van with a lift for about $25,000, or a brand new wheelchair accessible van for upwards of $50,000.
“Winning this contest would be such a blessing to our family,” Susie commented, and added, “To actually be able to go places together as a family would be life changing.”
For the contest, an excerpt of the entry Susie submitted, straight from a Mother’s heart, reads; “Kayla is such an inspiration to everyone she meets and is a beautiful, loving soul. Kayla’s condition is life-long, and she will most likely never be independent. She has come a long way but still needs help in gaining independence in all of her daily activities. There is nothing we won’t do to help improve our daughter’s quality of life.”
To read Susie’s entire contest entry and to vote, visit http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/kayla-johnston-spencer-ny/.
You can vote daily; also consider sharing the link with family and friends. Voting ends May 31 and winners will be announced in June.
