Don Wanat

AEL (Adaptive Engineering Lab), Mill Creek, Wash, has been in the seating and positioning business for nearly 35 years, and for the past 3 years—according to Don Wanat, the company’s president—it has been donating seating and positioning equipment, including seats, backs, hardware, and accessories, to Mobilize Mankind (MM), a nonprofit organization, founded by Greg and Gayle Edwards, dedicated to assisting physically challenged children with limited or no resources. Mobilize Mankind has undertaken an effort called the Baja Project—located in Baja California Sur, Mexico—and is currently providing services with a significant focus in and between the cities of La Paz and San Jose del Cabo.

Q: What are some of the benefits of AEL contributing to MM?

A: One of the most significant benefits is that, with our active involvement, we continue to learn and receive feedback about rehab equipment and how it performs at the most grassroots level. That helps us innovate and become a better supplier of rehab equip.

Q: How do you see the rehabilitation industry impacting charitable organizations?

A: As you learn more of the good deeds of organizations like MM, it becomes inescapably apparent that the significant and sustained support by manufacturers, dealers, therapists, and other professional organizations in our business really makes the work of the charities possible. Without the product, time, and knowledge directed/donated to these charities, I’m not sure how they could accomplish what they do. Our industry can take great pride in the partnerships formed between charities and business, and I appreciate your magazine’s willingness to highlight one of the ways in which we as an industry are giving back. Being involved as an industry participant is a win-win proposition, and I encourage all of our industry friends to consider their active support.

Q: What are the criteria needy participants must meet to qualify for charity equipment?

A: In this case MM makes the decision as to which individuals qualify for equipment. One of the positive attributes that we liked about MM was that they have made a 7- to 10-year commitment to the Baja Project. MM has networked with the local governments, schools, other Baja charities, and families and matches patient needs with available resources in each community in which they work. They also follow the progress of patients and do their best to change and reassign equipment over time to fit current health conditions.

Q: Describe the impact AEL’s charity work has had on company morale.

A: Everyone at AEL understands how important it is to produce top-notch products, and helping kids always seems to add that little bit extra. Supporting MM just goes one step further. A number of AEL folks are on MM’s list of volunteers. I continue to be amazed at how much they can do with just a little support. I know Greg and Gayle would welcome adding you to their list of growing supporters—drop them a line at . I’ve seen the smiles on the kids’ faces, and feeling the family’s appreciation first hand really makes your day!

—Morgan Saffari