HANDLING THE FUTURE | Tampa, FL U.S. | January 2020
Chapter Spotlight also available in Google Docs
Site & Community
- Active nearly 5 years
- 25 adult volunteers, mostly retired
- 6 deliveries for 3 recipients in the U.S.
Handling The Future, Inc. is a club in an active adult community near Tampa, Fl called Valencia Lakes. The Chapter’s members and partners are regional and within the West Central Florida counties. The group began in February 2015, perhaps before e-NABLE formalized ‘Chapter’ entities. Various members of the team meet 3 to 4 times per week.
Tech & Specs
- 4 Printers: Ultimaker 2+, CraftBot XL, XYZ
- 1 Occipital Structure Scanner
The chapter owns an Ultimaker 2+, while members printers include a CraftBot XL and two XYZ Printers. The team has printed perhaps a dozen devices and supported 3 recipients.
Team & Specialties
Over 25 volunteers
- Rich Brown | Founder & President
Health Care Services | Occupational Therapy | Education
The chapter is run by over 25 adult volunteers, mostly retired, without the need for any paid or full-time staff. Their professional backgrounds vary: a Chiropractic Physician, Medical Physician (Radiologist), Dentist, Nurse, NIH Research Scientist, Two Occupational Therapists (One is a Certified hand therapist), Attorney, Engineer, Information Tech., School Special Ed. Teacher, Microsoft Certified IT Specialist and other diverse walks of life.
Design & Process
For recipient volunteers, the team has provided two Phoenix devices (a right and a left), one pair of Flexy Hands, a ‘Ctrl. Alt. Delete’ custom key push device, Knick Fingers, and a Swim Fin device that allows for swimming in a more balanced fashion. The team has built several Phoenix hands since they seem to be one of the most accepted designs available. They have also have printed and assembled two Flexy Hands and a Kwawu NIOP. The team collects initial intake information about recipient volunteers including clinical history, current capabilities, and user expectations. As part of their process, participating recipient volunteers sign a release and waiver. Exercise instructions are provided along with detailed responsibilities for recipient volunteers regarding communication and feedback. This process is always developing and improving with experience.
Projects & Collaborations
The team maintains active direct communication with other chapter leaders through phone and email, including collaborations with the Bionic Hand Project in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, with Chad Coarsey, and with a chapter in Mexico, NY led by Tracy O Fleming.
Exoskeletal Hand
For the past three years, the team has been developing, designing and printing a new concept hand with an exoskeletal design allowing people with Brachial Palsy to open and close a hand with no motor or sensory awareness. This has been a collaboration of local members, outside chapters (including NIOP team lead Nate Munro), and outside skilled professionals covering design, artistry, engineering, and chiropractic services.
Research
Our chapter’s occupational therapist specializes in hands and collaborates on the recently-released ‘e-NABLE OT Collection of Recipients and Activities’.
Funding & Sustainability
Chapter activities depend on member donations for expenses, with members supporting efforts through voluntary $10 contributions. Two major external local donors are generous neighbors. Most recently the community sports club ran a dinner dance fundraiser which earned $4,000. The chapter manages funds very conservatively. As a 501C3, they follow proper accounting procedures and bookkeeping with corporate reports filed in Florida through a 990 federal tax return. They are registered as a charity with the Florida Dept. of Agriculture. Banking is maintained with a checking account.
For infrastructure, the chapter partners with the community clubhouse through the homeowners association. Activities are planned during monthly scheduled meetings. Hand assembly workshops are also scheduled for training purposes in the clubhouse. Each month the Life Styles Office of Valencia Lakes sends out news about club meetings. Members post on local social media and invite participation of community residents with relevant life experience.
Public Presence
- Website: www.handlingthefuture.com
- Facebook: Handling The Future
Handling The Future, Inc. engages with local newspaper carrying stories of chapter activities. Members have lectured at the Honors Society of St. Pete College, All Saint Academy, Winter Haven, and USF School of Engineering.
Article from the Observer News | January 2018
http://www.observernews.net/2018/01/25/handling-the-future-offers-gift-of-hands/