Life-long customer Gabriella has not let her disability slow her down or stop her from following her dreams. The 27 year-old, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, attended University of Missouri - Columbia and received a bachelor of arts in film studies in 2013. Since then, she has worked as a video editor for several companies and focused on disability advocacy work.
“I founded a support group for people with disabilities called Saint Louis Disability Mavericks,” said Gabriella. “Our members help each other find support and comfort while navigating life with a disability.”
Gabriella also has a blog called The Girl Who Sits where she writes about disability rights issues. She will be attending Saint Louis University Law School in the fall of 2018 in the hopes of becoming a disability rights attorney.
“My power chair from Numotion has allowed me to live the life I have always wanted. Without it, I would be stuck in bed all day or, absolute best case scenario, I would be forced to live my life in a state of discomfort that would impact my happiness and health,” said Gabriella.
In addition to her power wheelchair, Gabriella is getting a robotic arm. Gabriella said, “The robotic arm will have a hugely positive impact on my health and well-being. I will be able to do almost everything without assistance, including eating, drinking and preparing food.” Law school will also be a lot easier for Gabriella with the robotic arm since it will let her effortlessly switch between using a book, computer and phone without needing outside help.
“I look forward to being able to open doors, press elevator buttons and get around by myself, without the use of an expensive caregiver,” said Gabriella. “I think most people underestimate how nice it is to be able to eat when you're hungry. I depend on a caregiver and don't have 24-hour care. Most of my activity has to be contained to the time that my caregiver is working. I am so happy to think that I will be able to operate semi-independently, even if that just means eating whenever I want to.”
“Numotion is the only company I have ever trusted with my needs,” said Gabriella.