A Pembroke teenager now has increased mobility after receiving a power wheelchair from local organisations.Jaime Brangman, 18, of St Monica’s Road, received the wheelchair in late August as a joint donation from BF&M and The Committee of 25.Mr Brangman, who has cerebral palsy, was given the chair to aid his mobility on days when he experiences difficulty walking.The chair, valued between $10,000 and $16,000, is “really user friendly” and was specially ordered to fit Mr Brangman’s needs, said occupational therapist Tineé Furbert.The wheelchair is powered by Alber E-fix, which is a power add on system for manual wheelchairs, and is interchangeable between a power mode and a manual — an atypical feature for power wheelchairs.It also was sized to fit Mr Brangman’s frame, and the back piece has adjustable straps which accommodate the asymmetries in Mr Brangman’s back.Ms Furbert, who has worked as Mr Brangman’s therapist for years, said: “This is the first time that we have actually brought in a chair like this through Medical House,” explaining that the chair is foldable and compact and can fit in normal size vehicles.Another special feature about the chair, continued Ms Furbert, is that Mr Brangman’s mother can operate its power component when her son is unable to do so.“Not only is the joystick operated through the user but it also has an attendant control so if the user was particularly weak [one] day, or they were having difficulty manoeuvring, the caregiver can operate the power component for him.”Ms Furbert, who works at Medical House, said: “We at Medical House would like to thank the people who made this chair possible for Jaime because it’s provided another mobility source for him.”Mr Brangman’s mother, Sue Brangman, also offered her sincere thanks.“First and foremost I would like to thank God and also the BF&M insurance company and The Committee of 25. And of course Tineé Furbert from Medical House for letting me know about this wheelchair,” she said.Ms Brangman also thanked Ms Furbert on behalf of the special needs community for her “support and commitment for making [their] lives easier”.Ms Brangman was recently made redundant with the closing of Hayward’s grocery store where she worked as a cashier.In light of her job loss, she has elected to start an ironing and cooking service, complete with pickup and delivery, to those interested.She added: “I take this opportunity to make a plea for donations towards a feeding machine, which is called Meet the Meal Buddy, which is needed for Jaime to be able to feed himself.”The machine is an assistive feeder that allows physically disabled individuals to feed independently and costs roughly $8,000. Currently Mr Brangman is completely unable to feed himself.Ms Brangman urged any interested people, businesses or organisations to contact Ms Furbert at 292 3622 extension 205 if they wish to help.Ms Brangman also said that she herself can be contacted at 236 1982 for those requesting her ironing and cooking services.Mr Brangman is scheduled to start a programme at Opportunity Workshop later this month. According to The Centre on Philanthropy, the workshop aims to “prepare and train young adults, 18 years of age and older, with learning and/or physical disabilities to function at their optimum level of independence in self care, home care, social interaction, community awareness and job placement”.Also speaking to Mr Brangman’s progress, Ms Brangman said: “At first Jaime was nervous about using the chair,” explaining that he was insistent on walking.“But now that he’s been practicing, he’s more excited.”