Cerebral Palsy

The United “More than 25 percent of the people with disabilities in Michigan have low incomes and cannot afford to buy assistive technology devices outright,” said Linda Potter, UCP Michigan executive director.

“The loan fund gives people like Norma the opportunity to borrow money for items like Jason’s bicycle that increase their independence and their ability to be part of their communities.” The loan program is available for families who meet certain income requirements and who can prove assistive technology can enhance their lives.

Assistive technology refers to a wide range of devices that give people with disabilities and seniors more independence – including hearing aids, wheelchairs and modified vans.

The number of devices that can improve mobility for people afflicted with Both loan funds...

Alex’s father, Les, says he turned to the club for help when his son’s old wheelchair kept breaking down.

“They’ve been fantastic,” he said.

“I’ve been taking Alex to the games for a while and as soon as I told them we were raising money for a new chair, they immediately said they’d help.

“They’ve been so generous, to say they’re not exactly on premiership wages, and they’ve given so much of their time too.” Players for the club also donated items for an auction that the family held at Chorlton Irish Club.

Even the club’s kitman chipped in, riding a 450-mile sponsored bike ride to raise money.OVER the moon: Alex with dad Les and sister Lucy, sixLes, 37, from Brookburn Road, Chorlton, said he and wife Claire, are thrilled at the difference it has made to their son’s life.

The insurance claims advisor added: “He’s got his independence now.

Whereas before he always had to have someone to push him, now he can go about on his own.

“He’s been out and about with his friends and having a whale of a time.” Despite naming his son after two Manchester United legends, Alex Ferguson and Matt Busby, Les switched allegiance to the breakaway club when it was s...

At times his mother tucks his hand inside her elbow and they amble together around the manure-scented farms, bright yellow boots keeping Ben's feet dry on the muddy dirt roads.

A couple of times on a recent visit, Ben kissed his mother's arm.

Ben remembers the many facts he's learned about the farm operations, just as he can recount his favorite TV shows, including The Lawrence Welk Show and PBS' Reading Rainbow, and he recalls the names of everyone he meets.

Some farmers know a bit about autism because of Temple Grandin, an accomplished author, speaker and professor of animal science at Colorado State University who has autism.

She is sought after for her designs of humane livestock handling equipment and has designed the facilities that house half of the cattle in the United States.

At Spring Hope Farm, feed manager Lisa Landschoot says she doesn't know much about autism, but that it doesn't matter.

"You look beyond it and see what's deep down inside." Of Ben, she says, "He's great when he's here." While some parents become soccer moms, Gail Nofziger is happy to be a milk-truck roadie, visiting the peaceful farms where the cows gaze at you with their big brown eyes.

Her husband takes the Sunday runs, driving Ben to the Mulligan and Coyne farms in Avon, Livingston County, where they see different farmers and milk-truck...