When Jennifer Heelis takes her daughter Mae outside to play in the snow, it’s the little girl’s smiles that speak volumes about enjoyment and happiness.
Mae, 9, cannot cannot walk or move her hands because of a developmental disability and she does not use words to communicate.
But her joys are plain to see in the wide smile that lights up her face.
Like when she’s out in her special snow sled.
“I trust the experts at Ability New Brunswick to find and recommend devices that are of great assistance…. They are a wonderful help to us.”
– Jennifer Heelis
The skillfully designed sled, provided through Ability New Brunswick on loan, allows people with mobility issues to enjoy the thrill of sledding in the winter.
“The Snowcoach allows Mae to be out in winter conditions, sledding safely and with a guardian to guide it,” Jennifer says from their home in St. Stephen. “It works very smoothly.”
The sled is the perfect vehicle for outdoor fun. It can be towed by someone walking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The person sits upright on the vehicle, strapped in, so they can enjoy the sights and sounds as they are whisked along.
“There are many smiles when we go out,” Jennifer says.
Mae also has a specially designed tricycle provided through Ability New Brunswick which she keeps at her school, allowing her to glide through the hallways.
“The other kids think it’s awesome,” her mom says. “The kids help motivate Mae along.”
Jennifer is thankful for the work Ability New Brunswick does in finding and providing devices to help improve the mobility of adults and children alike.
“They know how to keep people involved in both outdoor and indoor activities and that is so important for mental and physical health,” she says. “I trust the experts at Ability New Brunswick to find and recommend devices that are of great assistance to Mae. They are a wonderful help to us.”