Lending library dedicated to Collins

BANGOR – Officials with a local lending library for adaptive equipment unveiled a plaque Tuesday, dedicating its facility to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins for her support in finding federal money to fund its program.

Last year, Collins worked to provide the Technical Exploration Center, a collaboration of Husson College and United Cerebral Palsy of Maine, with $50,000 in federal money to keep the facility running.

This year, $100,000 in federal grant money has been given to the Susan M. Collins Assistive Technology Library, helping Maine residents with disabilities.

Collins, who attended the unveiling, spent much of her visit Tuesday touring the facility and listening to the many success stories staff had to share about the impact of their new technology and resources.

“When I heard that Husson had a collaboration with United Cerebral Palsy to come up with the center, but they were struggling with financing, I realized it was important to help those who have difficulty with everyday life,” the senator said after the ceremony. “The money will be well spent; it’s a modest investment from federal funds that will make such a difference in so many lives.”

The center is a lending library of adaptive equipment where people with disabilities can test equipment to assist their everyday life before purchasing the expensive apparatuses. The center, which opened in 1998, helps 350 walk-in patients and fields 200 phone calls a month.

“The grant money has helped us maintain and increase inventory and allows us to get out into the community and integrate with other service agencies,” Colleen Adams, co-director of the center, said after the brief ceremony.

The center’s inventory ranges from stress balls to computer literacy software and hardware that has voice recognition technology and a hands-free mouse system.

The senator took particular interest in the gardening tools designed for people with carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. The ergonomic tools wrap around the upper arm and have a handle with a small shovel head or three-tine claw at the end.

Staff shared with Collins the experience of a farmer who had tremors, which kept him from completing his necessary bookwork. The center gave the farmer a weighted pen and utensils, as well as wrist weights, that steadied his hands and allowed him to overcome his problem.

Collins spent about half an hour at the facility before going to lunch with the center’s staff to learn more about the facility.

“We are proud to dedicate this to a friend, neighbor and champion,” William Beardsley, Husson College president, said at the ceremony. “Senator Collins has played a lead role in, and has a lifelong commitment, to children and health care. We are proud to dedicate this small, highly personalized library in her name.”