Hi, my name is Taylor Boykin. I am a college student in Kansas working toward my Communications degree. I have cerebral palsy but it doesn't have me! I have set many goals for myself: finish school, get a good job, meet that special lady and have a family. One major goal I have is to learn to drive a vehicle so that I don't have to rely on others or the bus system to get me where I want and need to go. Because I use a power wheelchair and have limited range of motion I must learn to drive a van that will be equipped with EMC (Electronic Mobility Controls) which is a high tech system designed for people with physical limitations.
Normally Vocation Rehabilitation covers training for individuals with disabilities but because I am a student and not employed they cannot assist me. The training requires a trainer with the EMC technology skills. Currently the closest one to me is in Ballwin, Mo which is about 4 hours east of me. That means the trainer would have to travel to Kansas where I am located in his specially equipped van to provide me the training. The cost is approximately $8,700.00 which covers the driving instruction for 5 days/40 hours, lodging/meals for instructor, and gas for the specialized van. In addition to this cost is $75.00 per hour of travel time. So that is an additional $600.00. This is a huge amount for me and my family.
The impact of your help would allow me to experience the same freedom as my peers. It would provide me another layer of independence that I don't have access to right now. Times are tough right now so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. If you are not in a position to help financially please help me by spreading the word to make others aware of the limited funding there is available for individuals with disabilities. If I am blessed to raise the money for the driving lessons that would be great! If by some small miracle I was to exceed my goal any additional money would go toward the purchase of a van for me. Direct contributions can be made to me at P.O. Box 13504, Overland Park, Kansas 66282. Thank you for your time, your prayers, and any contributions.