Children with disabilities receive new ‘life-changing’ equipment

MOUNT UNION, Pa. (WTAJ) — For six children in Mount Union, life will never be the same.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the children received new equipment that will help them and their families do more things together.

“It will be so much easier, like whenever we go to amusement parks or on walks. His sister will really enjoy the stroller, because she really likes to push him. It’ll be really good,” Lisa Blackie, who received an adaptive stroller for her son, said.

The strollers were gifted to them by Variety the Children’s Charity. The new CEO, Tom Baker, said it’s not just about the kids.

“It’s the whole family effort, and it’s about the community, and bringing everyone together. I think it also brings out the best in their brothers and sisters, their siblings, their neighbors. Just being invited, being included is what life’s all about and makes us all better people. So I think for the kids it really enables them to enjoy the things that some other kids might take for granted,” Baker said.

Variety also has two additional programs called “My Bike” and “My Voice” that provide bikes and communication devices for eligible children.

“It means a lot because he has a communication device, too. It really helps him out, because he was non-verbal. Now, he can read a book,” Blackie said.

Variety accepts applications all year long, and families can apply to one, two or all three programs if they are eligible. If eligible, children can receive items such as the ones listed below.

• Adaptive bikes
• Adaptive strollers
• Communication devices

The items are worth more than $152,00 and are offered to local kids/youth in Mifflin, Fulton, Huntingdon and Juniata counties. There are currently more than 110 of the items available.

Interested families can visit Variety’s website to apply or contact the Variety office directly at 724-933-0460.