In 2003, an engineer named Bill Wood met a young woman with cerebral palsy who enjoyed reading, but had to use a pencil in her mouth to turn the pages of her books. Seeking to help, Bill designed a device for her that turned the pages with the push of a button.
Meanwhile, factory owner Bill Deimling was creating assistive devices for a family friend with a disability. The friend’s physical therapist introduced the two Bills, and they worked together to fill an unmet need: creating custom, commercial-grade assistive devices for people with disabilities. After meeting a third Bill, engineer Bill Sand, the idea for May We Help was born.
Every item that May We Help volunteers create is unique and designed to meet the specific needs of a single individual.
“Today, May We Help consists of 75 volunteer engineers, industrial designers, inventors, welders, woodworkers, seamstresses, doctors, and occupational and physical therapists who come together to design, build and deliver custom devices at no cost to hundreds of clients every year,” Executive Director Rob Seiderman tells us.
After submitting the online form, May We Help finds the right volunteer or team of volunteers whose skill sets best match the project. After the match is made, a “Discovery Visit” is scheduled, where volunteers learn more about the client and their environments.
Volunteers then get to work designing and building the custom device, using May We Help’s state-of-the-art workshop. Once the device is finished, volunteers deliver the completed apparatus and ensure that it works correctly for the client.
A labor of love, May We Help’s general sentiment is best summed up by a volunteer, “There’s nothing as satisfying as using my skill set to help others.”
May We Help volunteers designed a modified bike for the son of Mason resident, Emily Wei.
“Their volunteers are very kind and patient,” Emily tells us, “We really appreciate all the help they have given us.”
May We Help also found a way to give gently-used equipment a new life.
“Typically, when we visit the client at their home, we almost always come across adaptive equipment being stored because it’s no longer useful to them,” Rob describes. “The equipment is too expensive to throw away, so it sits collecting dust. Yet, we meet many individuals and families every day who are desperate for that very equipment.”
From these observations the Adaptive Equipment Swap was created.
“May We Help welcomes donations of clean and functional pediatric and adult equipment,” Rob clarifies. “Then, approximately every 90 days, we hold an Adaptive Equipment Swap, and invite the community to take home any equipment they need – free of charge.”
On-site physical therapists are also at these events to provide guidance to ensure individuals and families are matched with the right equipment. Additionally, modification experts provide on-site fittings and adjustments to ensure comfort and capability.
In 2022 they hope to branch out from their current location on the eastside of Cincinnati, and provide care for underserved populations via mobile services.
The number of people requesting services from May We Help is growing, so volunteers are needed. Most volunteers work in their own workshops or at the May We Help makerspace. Other volunteers help with mailings and meals. Volunteer positions can be applied for on their website. Those in need of services can utilize the “Request a Solution” application on MayWeHelp.org.