Learning Curve
Edith’s Tool Bag
Posted on November 2, 2021, by GAPMP
Meet Edith Abakare at Atlanta Public Schools
Sometimes just having a simple tool to fix a problem can make a world of difference in a family’s life.
“As a parent of a child with a disability, I feel that all things are possible and “no” is not an option.
I’m a handy girl. I have all kinds of tools and kinda know my way around a wheel chair or two. So when I get a call about a child not showing up for school because their wheel chair is broken. I contact the parent, we contact the vendor, schedule an appointment for repairs. this process could take about a month because the initial visit is to access the issue then parts have to be ordered and approved for payment by Medicaid. But sometimes it’s just a minor fix. The brakes may be out of line by a centimeter, or the seat belt may have a loose screw, the foot rest may even drag a bit. So I ask the parents if I can come by and take a look. So off I go with my concealed tool bag.
To see the face of a mom /dad when I sit down on their living room floor and open my bag of tools is priceless. For a student to know that in the morning the school bus is coming for me! Warms my heart. I have had great success collaborating with FODAC- Friends of Disabled Adults’ and Children too in securing backup chair for students within my school district and community.
This is a snippet of why the GaPMP is 20 years strong.”