Our Story & Our Opportunity

My fiancee (Angie) and I (Michael) have several passions in life, but two of the biggest are helping people with disabilities and pinball.  We have the opportunity to combine and fulfill both of these passions at once.  A rare wheelchair accessible and disability friendly pinball machine has come up for sale.  There were only 15 of these machines converted for use by people with disabilities and it is unknown how many still exist 20+ years later.

Angie became a quadriplegic 10 years ago after a car accident.  She has volunteered as the president of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Iowa (SCIA) for many of years since.  Through the SCIA of Iowa, Angie has worked to help people with disabilities realize their potential and opportunities, as well as, fighting for disability rights.  One thing we have learned is that wheelchair users and people with disabilities just want to do access life...they just need the opportunity.  We hope to give all people the inclusive opportunity to experience the classic enjoyment of pinball.

The Plan

Through this campaign, we hope to 

• Debut this accessible machine at the 10th Annual Sports & Recreation Expo event hosted by SCIA in August 2014.  
• Have this machine present at all major SCIA events across the state and possibly into neighboring states.
  
• Allow local hospitals, rehab units, and other facilities to borrow the game for their patients - Easter Seals Iowa, Iowa Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, nursing homes, inpatient & outpatient rehab facilities, hospitals, and many more.
• Have the machine available to local non-profit organizations that empower people with disabilities.
• Have the machine available for people with disabilities to borrow in their homes.

What We Need

We need to raise $2200 to buy the pinball machine and $300 to ship it to Iowa.  

Time and materials to help maintain and transport the machine to the different locations will be provided by myself, at no additional cost.

We will permanently attach a plaque, listing each donor's name, to thank them for their generous contribution.

Any money raised above the amount needed for the pinball expenses will be donated to the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Iowa to help people with disabilities through their current programs and services - purchasing adapted equipment, sponsoring annual events, publishing quarterly newsletters, advocating for people with disabilities, providing peer networking, and much more.

Why is this machine special?

This machine has many features adapted to people with disabilities.  A few are:

• Modified cabinet to allow wheelchairs to fit under
• Larger and up front buttons to allow easier access for people with limited mobility in their limbs
• Option to use a Sip & Puff straw (for users without limb use) - included
• Wheels for easier movement and the ability to bring the machine to the player

Impact

Spread the joy of pinball, give people with disabilities an opportunity they may not have had. 

Thank you!  

We appreciate your help and appreciate if you would share this campaign with others.