Daxton is a 4-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder, Phelan-Mcdermid Syndrome (PMS). Causing accelerated growth, PMS led to Daxton outgrowing his specialized stroller and wheelchair a year before insurance would cover a new one. As Daxton and his family sought help, a doctor recommended they check out Easterseals Iowa. It was exactly what they needed.
Since that day, Daxton has used our Assistive Technology Center's lending library, finding all sorts of unique devices he can use at home. Daxton, like so many other 4-year-olds, gets a little bored of playing with the same old toys. With the lending library, Daxton checks items out free of charge and brings them back when he's done.
Daxton loves the giant sensory board he checked out. Of course, he's not the only one. Whenever Daxton is busy with his sensory board, his mom has the opportunity to fold laundry or cook dinner for the family. According to her, "There are so many options that help Dax with his fine motor development, which is not only fun but also therapeutic! The process of checking out devices is so easy. I show up with Dax and the staff are all friendly. We rummage around the different bins to see what Dax is interested in the most that day, and then we're on our way! The process is so easy and Dax loves going and being treated so kindly by the staff."
After finding the Assistive Technology Center's lending library, Daxton's family has never looked back. "Honestly, it's refreshing to have a 'safe' place to go that truly understands situations like ours and caters to the needs of the kiddos. Financially, it is a lifesaver as well. Dax can borrow items and learn and play with them. It's truly rewarding to see. I just want to let as many families know that this program is available for all ages! I wish I had known about it when he was younger, but it's never too late!"
Over the years, the Easterseals staff has gotten to know Daxton as a fighter. He is so persistent. As he continues to learn and grow, the Easterseals Lending Library will be here to help him every step of the way!
