Kylie is a sixth-generation resident of Laramie County, Wyoming, where she lives on her family’s ranch near Burns. Her connection to the land runs deep, and so does her determination to live independently.

Kylie was baby A of a set of quintuplets, born at just 28 weeks gestation. When it was time to leave the NICU three months later, only Kylie and her twin sister came home. During her stay, Kylie experienced a stroke that damaged both hemispheres of her brain. She was later diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia, which resulted in cerebral palsy. While her motor abilities are significantly impacted, her cognition is intact. Kylie uses AAC to communicate with everyone except her family.

Growing up on a ranch shaped many of Kylie’s passions. Horses hold a special place in her heart, including her current horse, Missy. With the help of her great uncle and grandfather, Kylie rides using an adaptive saddle they built specifically for her. She also has a deep love for live theater. After studying fine arts in college, she built a career in the arts community and now works as the head usher at the Cheyenne Civic Center and as a casting director at the Cheyenne Little Theater, the longest-running live theater west of the Mississippi River. Her world is filled with performances, creative collaboration, and friendships with professional actors, some of whom perform on Broadway.

Kylie’s relationship with adaptive equipment began early and has one connection who has always been at the center of her care.

“Michele Longo was a rehab tech when I was 18 months old and she built my first manual wheelchair. The seat back was 6 inches wide,” Kylie shared. “I have always been wherever Michele has gone and will always be where Michele is.” Over the years, Kylie’s experience with equipment has shaped her sense of safety and independence.

While she has experienced various team members over the years, as well as those who are routinely part of her team, consistency and familiarity matter deeply to her, especially when it comes to something as critical as mobility.

Each piece of equipment plays a distinct role in Kylie’s daily life. Her bathing equipment allows her to manage personal care with dignity. “First off, my bathing equipment allows me not to smell bad in my daily life,” she explained. Her power wheelchair gives her the freedom to move independently through space, while her manual wheelchair allows her to navigate environments that are not fully accessible. Working in a historic town presents challenges, as many buildings cannot be altered, making adaptability absolutely essential.

Her manual chair also supports her health in ways that go beyond mobility. It helps prevent bed sores and respiratory issues and allows her to communicate effectively. Her AAC device attaches to her chair, which she can only access while seated. Kylie also uses a gait trainer to help keep her hips aligned and encourage use of her legs when possible. While she has a lift, she explained that it is difficult to use regularly due to its size and space requirements.

Service and repairs are sometimes part of maintaining complex equipment. Kylie recently had repairs done on her bath chair after an issue prevented the tilt function from engaging. Her experience with different technicians varied, but “the first technician who came was very nice,” she shared.

Through every challenge, Kylie continues to advocate for what she needs, grounded in a lifetime of experience using adaptive equipment. From ranch life to theater lights, from horseback riding to casting productions, Kylie’s independence is built on equipment that supports her body, her voice, and her ability to move through the world with confidence.