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Consumer Stories

From Incarceration to Independence

A consumer, a senior citizen, is posing with his new walker from Rolling Start Inc.A consumer that was released after more than 53 years of incarceration required support in addressing his disability-related needs. Through strong collaboration with 211, the ADRC, and San Bernardino County, our Independent Living Specialist (ILS), Richard, was able to assist him in obtaining a walker and a custom wheelchair tailored to his needs. This coordinated effort has made a meaningful difference in his transition back into the community.

A Journey Home for Christmas

A disabled person in a flannel shirt sits in a wheelchair inside an airport terminal, with a Rolling Start Independent Living Specialist standing closely behind him, assisting him through the airport terminal. They are positioned near a long check‑in counter lined with digital flight information screens.Diane, one of our Independent Living Specialists (ILS), went above and beyond to support a consumer over the Christmas break. Living alone in San Bernardino County, he shared his heartfelt wish to visit his family in Wisconsin for the holidays. Diane coordinated assistance through multiple RSI programs, helped secure airfare, assisted with packing, and ensured he arrived safely at the airport. Because of her dedication and care, he was able to spend Christmas reunited with his family in Wisconsin.

Connecting Through Technology

A Rolling Start Inc consumer in a power wheelchair is smiling while holding his brand new iPad.A consumer received a free iPad tablet through a partnership with the Department of Aging and Adult Services’ Digital Connections program. Access to assistive technology like this can support greater independence, communication, and connection in daily life. Our team continues to seek out programs, resources, and opportunities that help meet each consumer’s unique needs and support independent living.

Rolling Forward

With a grant from the City of Hesperia, we were able to supply Karen with a brand new Rollator. She called back a week later to thank us again and was ecstatic and surprised by how much her life had improved due to her new assistive technology.

“Helping Karen maintain her independence was like getting a $1 raise!”

-Cathy, our Assistive Technology Specialist

Captain Mike

“I would like to thank Rolling Start for helping me become successful in the business world especially since I have a disability. They helped me to start a non-profit where I take people with disabilities out fishing and provide a barbecue.” – Captain Mike. Captain Mike also received computer classes to improve his computer skills and obtain glasses free of charge. “The staff at Rolling Start believe in me and have helped to promote me and my business. Also, Rolling Start has shown me how to go back to school with help from the Department of Rehabilitation, obtain housing, and reduce my gas and electricity bills. Rolling Start is a great environment for all individuals to learn and work on becoming independent.”

Assisting All Ages

A woman stands by a large box labeled Inspired; a sign behind her reads Give BIG. Be Great! Next to her, a boy sits in a car seat. Two other car seats are shown below, labeled out with the old.The consumer’s mother came to Rolling Start looking for assistance in obtaining a car seat for her 11-year-old son who has cerebral palsy and pica, which made it hard for the mother to find a car seat suitable to his disability. After reaching out to multiple agencies and being unsuccessful to find anyone willing to cover the cost or lower the $1500+ price she felt hopeless and uneasy of her current situation which consisted of zip tying her son into a car seat not intended for someone of his size. Thankfully while at an Abilities Expo, Rolling Starts independent living specialist was able to advocate for the consumer and collaborated with an amazing company Inspired by Drive who provided the consumer with a car seat of her choice at an exceptionally affordable price.

Voice Options

Rolling Start, Inc. (RSI) was first contacted by Jeremy’s father, Ruben, who inquired about a device to help his son communicate. Jeremy recently had surgery to remove a brain tumor, which made talking difficult as he was required to have an endotracheal tube during the recovery process. Fortunately, the speech-language pathologists at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) told Ruben about the new Voice Options program through RSI that provides iPads with speech apps to individuals with complex communication needs. With further assistance from the AT coordinator, Ruben was able to program the GoTalk Now app to include specific pictures and buttons that would “talk” for Jeremy once they are pressed. Ruben has informed the AT coordinator that the iPad has made a significant difference in Jeremy’s everyday life and well-being. Now, Jeremy can communicate his needs and desires with his nurses, physical therapists, and his loved ones.