OUR STORY
OUR STORY
OUR MISSION & VALUES
At the core of Freedom to Roam is the opportunity for movement and normalcy for those with limited mobility. The Independence Stand-Up Walker™ was designed to provide support to those who present with a fall risk due to reduced trunk and upper extremity control.
The Independence™ has underarm supports that place the user in a fully upright position, reducing forward leans and allowing a decrease in arm strain. The devices’ configuration offers individuals access to the better quantity and quality ambulation within their communities.
THE INTENTION OF THE WALKER
The idea for the Independence™ was developed by Robert “Lewy” Lewis, an entrepreneur who became an incomplete quadriplegic in 2005 following an elective procedure. Unlike most who are quadriplegic, Lewy only lost the functionality of his arms and hands, but his legs still function. He has limited upper body strength making balance and daily life difficult.
Since his procedure, Lewy has been dependent on others to assist him in many routine tasks, including exercise and transferring from one chair to another. Frustrated by these limitations, Lewy formed an idea about a lightweight, stand-up walker-like device that could be used independently.
HOW LEWY FOUND HIS FREEDOM IN ROAMING
After a vivid dream, Lewy hired an engineer to create CAD drawings of a simplified device. The first prototype, the Independence™, was born and built in October of 2020. After initial testing, further modifications were made to the device to accomodate daily use.
Lewy is now able to exercise his legs without a caregiver and perform daily tasks, such as attending doctor’s appointments, going to the office, and transferring from his home to the car – all independently.
WITNESSED CHANGE
We are thrilled to tell the stories of real people whose lives were impacted by the Independence™. Our device is the bridge that allows users with mobility impairment to get back to a life of normal activity and engagement.
View our case studies to see how this device made a difference to them!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
A big thank you to all of the individuals, and groups that have helped bring the Independence™ from just a dream to a full reality.