NATIONAL SEATING & MOBILITY TO DISTRIBUTE INDEPENDENCE DRIVE WHEELCHAIR EYE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 3, 2019) — National Seating & Mobility (NSM), the leading provider of complex rehabilitation, mobility and accessibility solutions in the U.S. has signed an agreement with Evergreen Circuits to nationally distribute the Independence Drive eye control wheelchair technology. In addition to distributing this new product, NSM Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) have been working in collaboration with Evergreen Circuits, conducting hands-on product trials and providing feedback to be considered for enhancements to better serve clients.
“Technology is continually changing the game for our clients and the CRT industry as a whole,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “The inventive work by Evergreen Circuits on the Independence Drive system is indicative of the life-altering mobility solutions on the horizon for those we serve. Since the system debuted this past fall, many of our ATPs have provided feedback supporting specific-use cases for this technology. We are pleased to have this groundbreaking product available for our clients nationwide.”
Evergreen Circuits was founded as a result of a challenge made by former NFL player and ALS patient, Steve Gleason. Due to the progression of his disease, Gleason needed the technology allowing him to drive his wheelchair using just his eyes. Evergreen Circuits developed the Independence Drive technology in partnership with Gleason’s foundation, Team Gleason, and Jay Smith, CEO of Livid Instruments in Austin, Texas, also an ALS patient. The technology merges a powered wheelchair, tablet computer, and eye-tracking camera into a virtual joystick that powers eye-controlled wheelchair movement.
Team Gleason has purchased a number of units to provide through the foundation for those who have a need for the product, but no funding options. NSM will donate the installation and set-up for these units as needed.
“We’ve been thrilled with the support and enthusiasm from NSM about Independence Drive,” said Jay Beavers Evergreen Circuits CEO. “The overwhelming interest in the product from ATPs attending the NSM Symposium, and the valuable feedback about the system that followed has been encouraging and exciting. We look forward to continuing to build this partnership as we work to create advancements in technology to change the lives of individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.”
About National Seating Mobility
National Seating & Mobility is the nation’s premier Complex Rehab Technology Solutions provider, partnering with physicians, therapists and clients across the U.S. to design customized innovative mobility, rehabilitation and adaptive product solutions for individuals with disabilities. Founded in 1992, the company has grown from five locations to a national network of professional Assistive Technology Providers (ATPs). National Seating & Mobility has earned the highest professional accreditation from the independent, not-for-profit, The Joint Commission. As preeminent accrediting body for U.S. healthcare organizations, The Joint Commission maintains unrivaled industry standards. For more information visit nsm-seating.com. Follow NSM: @mobilityNSM / LinkedIn / Facebook.com/NSMobility
About Team Gleason
The Gleason Initiative Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit based in New Orleans, LA. Team Gleason was founded by former New Orleans Saints player, Steve Gleason, after his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2011. Team Gleason provides and supports people living with ALS through leading edge technology, equipment and services, works to create a global conversation about ALS, and raises public awareness of the disease by providing and documenting extraordinary life adventures for people with ALS, neurodegenerative diseases, or injuries. Follow Team Gleason: www.teamgleason.org / @teamgleason / www.facebook.com/teamgleason.org
About Evergreen Circuits
Evergreen Circuits is an assistive technology company in Seattle, WA that helps empower those living with disabilities through circuitry. Initially focused on ALS and wheelchair technology, Evergreen Circuits is expanding into new customer populations and other problems unsolved by the durable medical equipment market. Follow Evergreen Circuits: evergreencircuits.com / @EvergreenCircts / facebook.com/evergreencircuit