ABOUT TYLER SCHRENK FOUNDATION
OUR HISTORY
The Tyler Schrenk Foundation is a Washington-based non-profit organization focused on independence and assistive technologies (AT). The TSF, previously the Todd Stablefelt Foundation, was created by Todd in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) (EIN# 26-3258569) provide access to and education about assistive technologies in order to provide greater independence to those living with mobility issues.
During that time, Todd met all kinds of people, leading to his involvement in “switch control” for the iPhone and Tecla devices available today.
In 2015, Todd partnered with Tyler Schrenk and with time, Tyler took over as President & Executive Director. With the same initials, it was meant to be.
Together, they have expanded TSF’s reach to people beyond Washington state. We’ve helped people in 11 different US states and three different countries (Mexico, Germany, and Romania).
In addition to this work, TSF also consults for hospitals, school districts, and companies globally.
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Since taking over, Tyler has dedicated his experience to helping others in a one-to-one fashion. Taking it further, Tyler launched two programs: the “Demonstrating Independence Program Grant” and the “Jose Blakely Memorial Grant,” both with a shared goal to transform lives.
Our projects show how assistive technologies can be vital in the lives of those who are mobility impaired and otherwise: Quality of life improves dramatically and people are given the opportunity to regain both their dignity and independence.
Today, the Tyler Schrenk Foundation has provided over $110,000 worth of assistive technologies, helping over 60 people globally regain independence using assistive technologies. We aren’t done yet.
Our work spans from educational consultations to technology installations, ranging from controlling a cell phone hands-free to buying, modifying, and shipping a power wheelchair from the US to Romania.
Wondering what Todd is up to nowadays?
5.4 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING WITH PARALYSIS IN THE US
Christopher Reeves Foundation 20131/10 PEOPLE IN NEED HAVE ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS
World Health Organization 2016BUILDING AWARENESS
BUILDING AWARENESS
The need for assistive technologies for people with mobility issues is great. The Christopher Reeve Foundation estimates there are approximately 5.4 million people living with paralysis in the United States (Christopher Reeves Foundation 2013). While not all of these people are paralyzed from the neck down and are in the greatest need, there is no shortage of people who could use our help.
The World Health Organization cited "Assistive technology enables people to live healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lights, and to participate in education, the labor market in civic life. Without assistive technology, people are often excluded, isolated, and locked into poverty, thereby increasing the impact of disease and disability on a person, their family in society," also stating, "Today, only 1 in 10 people in need have access to assistive products." (World Health Organization 2016).
This shows how important and necessary introduction to assistive technologies can be. The groups targeted for outreach through our projects are men and women with a mobility impairment focusing on people without arm movement. Also, focusing on not only people who reach out to the foundation but actively searching for people with mobility issues that could use assistance.
My projects will be helping people who would not have access or the education to assistive technologies without our outreach and also those who can continue to grow with increased access and education to assistive technologies.
OUR MISSION
We do not charge our clients a fee if they cannot afford the product. If they communicate that they can afford a portion of their set up we will charge them for the balance of the setup billed to the TSF.
We currently partner with businesses and individuals that are interested in donating through The TSF’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to provide assistive technology that can have a great impact on our recipient lives. Our continued fundraising will include doing small local efforts such as fundraisers at the Hagan grocery store in Woodinville and Snohomish as well as partnering with local and national businesses that are interested in helping individuals achieve independence. At these local fundraisers we pass out information about the foundation, collect e-mails and spread the word of what we are trying to achieve. We hope to use these e-mails to acquire new donors . To spread the word of how important independence is on a larger scale we will have a series of videos that will show all of these devices that can help individuals regain independence. We will post these on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
We will also try to acquire donors that will donate monthly to the Foundation. Currently, we have many individuals that donate directly to the Foundation's PayPal account each month. We will also try to acquire new donors through e-mailing individuals asking for donations while sending a newsletter describing what the foundation has been doing. We will also try to acquire donors using the foundation's Facebook page that displays videos, thank you letters and information about the foundation.
In the future, we also will hold fundraisers that will incorporate corporations. Through doing this we anticipate receiving larger donations through a golf tournament or auction. This is something myself and the Board of Directors will work on.
TSF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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TSF BOARD OF DIRECTORS ·
Tyler Schrenk
President
Tyler is a 33-year-old quadriplegic paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a diving accident in 2012. Along with being the president of the TSF, Tyler is on the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program Advisory Council and on the board of Advisors for the Harborview Medical Center Assistive Technology Lab. Tyler is a dedicated expert in the assistive technology field and is leading the way in teaching individuals and companies how to use assistive technologies to create independence. He is also a peer mentor and is dedicated to helping people gain greater independence who are living with disabilities. Tyler enjoys reading, boating, hiking, watching sports and movies.
Larry Schrenk
Treasurer
Larry is a combat veteran, retired police officer and business owner. He has experience in managing assets and resources for the disabled. He also has experience handling the finances for a business. Larry just retired from a third career and is very proud of his son, Tyler, for his desire to help others in their trying times.
Michael deHart
Vice President
For more than 25 years, Numotion has been the leading provider of mobility dedicated to providing specialized wheelchairs to both children and adults with disabilities. This unique profession requires an extensive knowledge of physical and cognitive disabilities, product capabilities, reimbursement, service requirements and business insight.
Prior to joining Numotion, Michael spent 22 years in the US Air Force – first in high-tech electronics and computers and finishing with Education / Training in Leadership Theories and Management Skills. It has been Michael’s good fortune to live all across the US with time in Europe as well. He is married to 1 wife (Lyssa) with 1 dog, and [never] too many bicycles.
León F. Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D.
Secretary
Leon and his family arrived to Woodinville 17 years ago and made it their home. Leon works as a scientist at a local biopharmaceutical company where he leads teams in the discovery of new therapies for multiple diseases and conditions including migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, and pain among others. He is married and has four children. Leon and his family are very involved in multiple charitable and community opportunities through their church. His life revolves around his faith, his family and friends, and his work and he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
Leslie Fox
Occupational Therapist
Leslie moved to Seattle in 2004 to earn her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Washington. The beautiful Pacific Northwest has been “home” ever since. Leslie works at Harborview Medical Center in the neuro-rehabilitation department, serving both inpatient and outpatient clinics over the last 7 years. She is passionate about progressing the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation and is an active member of the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASCIP) and a board member on the Assistive Technology Committee at Harborview. Outside of work, she enjoys travel adventures, hiking, yoga, and spending time with her family & friends.
Kent Lindor
Kent is the Vice President Business Development at Koval Williamson, a third generation Washingtonian, and married father of three. He is currently and formerly active in a number of charitable organizations including: Tyler Schrenk Foundation, SPU Athletics, Bethany Adoption Services and Seattle Children’s Hospital thru Friends of Costco Guild. Kent enjoys golf, soccer and fly fishing.
Adam Summer
Adam has long been involved in community, and health advocacy projects in Southern California where he resides . Much of Adam’s involvement has been at the grassroots level: as a long time board member of Los Angeles Neighberhood Council, member of numerous Los Angeles Neighberhood Council sub-committees, and the Co-Executive Director of Affirmative Athletics ( a non profit out of Los Angeles, that brings sports programs to incarcerated youth).
As Tyler’s lifelong best friend, he could not be prouder of the program and mission Tyler has created , and has been grateful for the opportunity to be involved in any, and all ways needed. Adam has used his stratified skill set to improve public relations, fundraising, and operation efficiency - always knowing that every dollar that comes in, is a quad being helped in a very real way coming out.