The Quality of Life (QL+) Program is seeking Veterans with disabilities who would benefit from having custom specialized devices built for them to help with their active lifestyle or simply to enhance their everyday life.
The QL+ program has helped everyone from Paralympic athletes to Veterans looking to improve their ability to return to the everyday activities that may be tougher for them as a result of their injuries. Some projects have included hiking prosthetics, kayak and bike lifts, wheelchair tire cleaners, specialized archery equipment and even a rollerblading attachment for a prosthetic leg.
What’s your great idea? Is there something that would make a difference in your world? Any Veteran with a disability (it doesn’t have to be service-related) is eligible to apply for this program. There is no cost to the Veteran to participate.
How does the QL+ Program work? The program partners with engineering students from 21 universities across the country who take on these projects as part of their senior Capstone Projects. The Fall semester is spent working with the Veteran (who are referred to as Challengers) and collaboratively developing designs for the device. The students then spend the spring semester building the device. If fittings, measurements or other things of this nature need to be done in-person, QL+ will pay for travel for a meeting between the Challenger and students.
Once an application is submitted, QL+ works with faculty advisors to select the projects. If chosen, you will be connected with a team of senior engineering students assigned to your project, with engineering department faculty and outside mentors there to assist those students throughout the process. Weekly meetings are held to help keep everyone involved updated on the progress of the project. Projects typically begin with the fall semester and run through May. QL+ asks Challengers to be prepared to work with the students as needed. Veterans will find that the students working with the program are brilliant and hard working and excited about doing all they can to meet the desires and needs for the project.
To learn more and to apply for the program, visit www.qlplus.org. From there, you can access past projects, go to the QL+ YouTube channel to see videos of the projects, and fill out the online application to be considered as a Challenger. You can also check out the QL+ Facebook, and Twitter pages for general announcements and updates on projects in progress.
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Please get a hold of me I need a device for 5 years now. I can’t swallow or eat without it and it’s been asked for to the Va by 7 surgeons and physicians.
For veterans who have the use of only one arm, but who wish to paddle a canoe or participate in dragon boat competition, you may be interested in the One-Arm Freedom paddle made by Dillenschneider Designs. Dillenschneider Designs is a disabled veteran owned business. Information is available at:
https://dillenschneiderdesigns.com/
Needing as with my home please this will help with my mental health disorder please help VArmphis
I am currently rated at 70% score, but at 100% unemployable and am 17-18 hours bedridden due to no ability to walk on free will. I have had a TKR on right knee that never stayed right giving way, then last year I suffered a fall this fracturing my left knee cap in more then 3 places. Then suffering covid-19 pnmoninia 15 days and following rehab and still am trying to get balance back using a walker short distance due to fatigue. I feel with the right equipment I can gain my strength, muscle, enthusiasm and will to get back to somewhat quality of living, I teach out to everyone but says they are not the one for help and just giving up on trying and even though I am not suicidal I do have a thought of ” i just waiting to die ” not taking my own life just waiting for God to take me. Dont put me as suicidal cause I believe that selfish as the people around me will hurt and I never want that but will understand if god calls me and will hurt less.
Would love to have a garage and tools to mess around with my old trucks.
This sounds like a great opportunity. I wonder if VA would help under QL program to help remodel a healing room for severe Ortho conditions.
Do you do stair lifts