Inventor uses mechanical skills to challenge disability
Aug 17, 2014 6:26:20 GMT -8
Post by DJ on Aug 17, 2014 6:26:20 GMT -8
This is really cool. Love his determination! 
A small engine shop owner in Hamilton, has devised a number of inventions to accommodate his own disability. It may give ideas to others looking for practical ideas on ways to make living with a disability easier.
Jack Harr was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 12. But the Missoula native has always seen limitation as a challenge.
"I rode motorcycles," said Harr, "went swimming, hiking, everything."
As a kid, he retrofitted his motorcycle's handlebars to meet his special needs.
He was always mechanically minded, and used his skills to excel in a long, successful career working for Volkswagen. Now, he owns Jack's Small Engine Service in Hamilton.
For a long time, Harr repaired engines that came to his shop, himself. But about 10 years ago, he became confined to a wheelchair. So he now leaves the physical repair work to his staff. He manages his small business from his wheelchair. Every day you'll find him at the front counter, keeping the books, and greeting customers.
"As my disease progressed," said Harr, "I was usually able to figure out a way around the problem, and actually manufacture devices that helped me."
Several years ago, Harr priced wheelchair lifts at $6,000. He's 73 now, but at the time he didn't have medical insurance, so Harr, with other handy friends, built a lift so he could get in and out of his house.
"I'd say I have $350 in it," said Jack of his lift, as he showed how it works.
He also built a hand device on the chair to close the door to his house.
Jack Harr was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 12. But the Missoula native has always seen limitation as a challenge.
"I rode motorcycles," said Harr, "went swimming, hiking, everything."
As a kid, he retrofitted his motorcycle's handlebars to meet his special needs.
He was always mechanically minded, and used his skills to excel in a long, successful career working for Volkswagen. Now, he owns Jack's Small Engine Service in Hamilton.
For a long time, Harr repaired engines that came to his shop, himself. But about 10 years ago, he became confined to a wheelchair. So he now leaves the physical repair work to his staff. He manages his small business from his wheelchair. Every day you'll find him at the front counter, keeping the books, and greeting customers.
"As my disease progressed," said Harr, "I was usually able to figure out a way around the problem, and actually manufacture devices that helped me."
Several years ago, Harr priced wheelchair lifts at $6,000. He's 73 now, but at the time he didn't have medical insurance, so Harr, with other handy friends, built a lift so he could get in and out of his house.
"I'd say I have $350 in it," said Jack of his lift, as he showed how it works.
He also built a hand device on the chair to close the door to his house.
Read more: Inventor uses mechanical skills to challenge disability (VIDEO)
