Blejay Gboweay is a 21-year-old man who has a C5 spinal cord injury leaving him quadriplegic. Blejay’s accident occurred on 7/5/23, and he completed his Rehab stay at Courage Kenny on 3/11/24. Courage Kenny and Blejay’s case manager for home and community services in MN referred Blejay to LiveLife Therapy Solutions (LLTS) for an Assistive Technology (AT) assessment.
Blejay was living in a group home in Brooklyn Park when we first met him. We completed his initial AT assessment on 4/29/24. He had very limited independence and his daily routine was restricted by his physical challenges. He was unable to do his own cares, control anything within his environment at his group home, call for help, use a computer for life skills, or engage in activities he loved such as being online and gaming. He relied heavily on others for tasks as simple as adjusting the lights. Our initial assessment focused on Digital Access and Environmental Control.
Blejay’s initial goals were to have control over his environment since he was dependent on his PCA’s and family for all such things. His longer-term goals were to get back to music, making clothes, travel, start his own business with content creations, and complete his GED. During early conversations, Blejay expressed a strong desire to “get back to doing the things I love.” He made it clear that it wasn’t just about functional tasks; it was about reclaiming his freedom and feeling like himself again. He specifically wanted to play video games at a high level and stay connected to his social circle. Addressing these social needs was vital. Gaming became the gateway activity that helped Blejay learn how to use the technology that would help “close the gap” between his physical abilities and his goals in all areas of his life. The same Digital Access skills he used and developed for gaming, transferred directly to controlling items such as phone, computer and smart home technology.
During assessment sessions Blejay was able to try out several high-tech solutions related to Digital Access, ultimately using a QuadStick FPS Controller with a flexible arm mount, Jelly Bean Switches, cable splitters, Palm joystick and weighted mount, bedside hospital table, lap tray for buttons, and a joystick for gaming precision and computer access.
Environmental Control was facilitated through a variety of smart home technology including Alexa 4th Gen Smart Hub, FireTV Cube, Smart Light Bulbs, Third Reality Smart Light Switches, and a chime used to call out for help.
With the new Environmental Control technology, Blejay had the tools he needed to move to his own apartment in the fall of 2024. This smart home technology was set up in his new apartment and additional items were added to give him control over lights in more rooms as well as his heat and air conditioning.
At his apartment, LLTS also completed assessments for home modification needs and for durable medical equipment. Blejay was able to obtain a manual wheelchair since he had adequate trunk control to support himself in a lighter chair. This new wheelchair is helpful for going out with family into the community. Since Blejay does not have an adaptive van, and he does not take public transportation, this manual wheelchair is critical for him to get out with family and friends and also get to health care appointments. Blejay also obtained a threshold ramp for the sliding glass door of his apartment so he could get in and out in his wheelchair.
Since receiving his assistive technology, Blejay has experienced a profound change in his daily life, saying, “It’s given back my freedom.” He has gained better control over his home environment and can now engage in digital activities with confidence.
Some Q & A with Blejay:
“How was LLTS/T4H helpful to you, your family, and caretakers?”
“LLTS and Cole were a massive help because it let me get back to doing the things I love, like gaming and using my computer, and it gave me control over my living space such as things like the lights, the TV, and my smart speakers like Alexa. It’s given back my freedom.”
“How is this program unique to other services you’ve received?”
“I have great physical and occupational therapists, but they mostly focus on moving my body. No one else focuses on the technology that makes my world accessible. This program and Cole’s help is different because it was efficient and hands-on. The staff are excellent and really focus on finding specific tools that connect me to the things I enjoy and my home. It’s the only service that truly uses technology to close the gap between what I can physically do and what I want to do.”
Blejay’s initial assessment and associated work were initially funded through his waiver, however he was subsequently moved into the T4H program due to the complexity of his needs and goals. The T4H program allows LLTS to support Blejay using multiple therapists at a level that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. LLTS will provide support for Blejay through T4H as he seeks more stable housing and investigates additional environmental controls for window blinds and his hospital bed so he can operate these independently as well. Bejay is also starting to plan for vocational goals. Blejay’s experience with LLTS and T4H illustrates how specific, hands-on technology can bridge the gap to a more fulfilling life.