 (ARA) - Bob Harraden, 44, of Manchester, N.J., isn't the kind of person who likes having people do things for him. But after getting into a motorcycle accident as a young man, he didn't have much of a choice.
"I became a paraplegic back in 1990 after losing control of my motorcycle and hitting a tree," he explains. Harraden has always been a pretty positive person and figured it happened for a reason, so instead of focusing on what he couldn't do, he decided to concentrate on what he could.
"I may not be able to walk anymore, but I'm still very independent," he says. "I live alone, drive myself to work everyday, do the shopping and fix up the house when repairs are needed; but I have to admit, it's not always easy."
Harraden owns and operates an auto and boat top and interior restoration business and, in the past, performing estimates used to be difficult because of his disability. But a story he saw on NBC's Today Show about 10 years after his accident eventually changed his life. Dean Kamen, developer of the Segway human transporter, was showing off his latest invention.
"When I saw what the INDEPENDENCE iBOT 4000 Mobility System could do, I knew I had to have one," he says. The high-tech device uses multiple computers to help users climb stairs, navigate curbs and move over different types of terrain, like sand, gravel and grass. But it's the Balance Function, which allows Harraden to raise himself up to eye level with everyone else, and the vehicles he's working on, that he likes the best. Go to www.ibotnow.com for a demonstration of how it works.
"In my old wheelchair I could never actually see the top of a car or get a close look at the side of a boat. Now, I simply raise myself up to where I need to go. This would not have been possible in the past."
Harraden secured financing for his iBOT Mobility System through a vocational rehabilitation program offered by his state to help the disabled.
To find out if the iBOT Mobility System can improve your quality of life, or help someone you know, log on to www.ibotnow.com and fill out the quick online form. A customer service representative will follow up with you in the manner you request -- by phone, e-mail or by sending an informational packet through the U.S. mail.
This article was commissioned by Independence Technology, L.L.C., manufacturer of the INDEPENDENCE iBOT 4000 Mobility System.
Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.
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