Robin Wearley
Robin Wearley (MET’12) of San Francisco, Calif., writes, “I started a business in 2016 to sell a portable evacuation/transfer sling for wheelchair users. This device, which I call ADAPTS, is for use on an airplane to either transfer to a seat from the aisle wheelchair or to allow rescuers to grab and run to an exit in the event of an emergency evacuation. This has branched into use for any kind of emergency evacuation for wheelchair users when their wheelchair is inaccessible to them. In December 2017, we concluded a successful Kickstarter campaign that allowed us to produce our current inventory and attend all seven of the Abilities Expos (including Boston) through 2019. We began selling online and from our booth at the expos. In April 2018, we were awarded the Changing Lives Award at Naidex 44 [a trade event dedicated to the care and lifestyle of people with a disability or impairment], in Birmingham, England. Our product was selected from 260 other vendors for innovation, price point, and simplicity of use. We like to say we are changing lives by saving lives. Our #WhyWait campaign with Ms. Wheelchair California recently launched to raise awareness among people with disabilities to prepare for disasters before the evacuation orders come out.”
From the Summer 2019 issue.