Modified Golf Carts, Garden Tractors Benefit Hard-Working "Wheelers"

Modified Golf Carts Garden Tractors Benefit Hard-Working Wheelers AG WORLD Here’s a non-profit group every FARM SHOW reader can appreciate: The Innovation Institute pays workers in wheelchairs to modify golf carts and garden tractors so other people in wheelchairs can drive or ride on them at camps or in rural areas It lets them get outside without having to ride in a truck or van and have a lot of fun     Harrold Andresen who founded Innovation Institute in 2003 says his disabled work crew who call themselves “wheelers” love modifying the used vehicles Like anyone they just want the opportunity to work Right now there is only enough money for them to work one day a week On Wednesdays Andresen takes the day off from his auto repair business to work with them in his auto repair bays He pays them an hourly wage and helps with their transportation costs     Recently the “wheelers” have been modifying golf carts to allow people in wheelchairs to roll right onto the carts which were loaned out to children’s camps in Texas last year The kids grinned with delight as they were given rides while sitting next to someone who also happens to use a wheelchair     Churches and others who work with people in wheelchairs have expressed interest in the modified rigs — for practical transportation and for just plain fun     Andresen reworked 16 of the 20 bays in his auto repair shop to adapt to workers in wheelchairs From workbenches to vises and tools everything is designed for use by the “wheelers”     Andresen also holds workshops teaching auto repair and welding with the goal to give the wheelers steady work They started out repairing wheelchairs and other devices used by the disabled After the Institute received 16 donated riding lawn mowers the wheelers got really motivated as they realized they could have some fun with them     Some rigs are modified to make it easy for a wheelchair-bound person to slide into the seat and work the controls Others are fitted with sidecars so a person in a wheelchair can be rolled up onto it     “We make golf carts wider and longer ” Andresen says “And we add air suspension so it drops to the ground allowing a person in a wheelchair to easily roll on board and get secured next to the driver ”     The response has been overwhelming Parents and camp staff see the kids not only having loads of fun but also connecting with the drivers     “This is a realistic income-producing project ” Andresen says Used golf carts are readily available There are only three basic models so it’s easier to learn how to fix and modify them than the innumerable makes and models of riding mowers     In order to build a fleet for use at camps and other events that include people with disabilities the Innovation Institute needs regular monthly donations tax deductible to pay workers or sponsorships that will cover the full cost of modifying a used golf cart The Institute also welcomes donations of used golf carts and riding mowers and of parts and materials for refurbishing and modifying them     Check out Innovation Institute’s Facebook page at www facebook com/Innovation Institute Duncanville     Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Innovation Institute 1219 Crestdell Drive Duncanville Texas 75137 ph 972 709-5391; koolschool@sbcglobal net

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