• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Ability New Brunswick

  • AccessibleNB
  • Rehabilitation
  • Transition NB
  • Referrals
  • Vehicle Retrofit
  • ParaNB
  • Donate
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Programs and Services
    • Mission & Values
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Paul C.J. LeBlanc Bursary
  • Success Stories
  • Publications
  • Ways to Give
    • Become a monthly donor
    • Make a one-time donation
    • Make an in-memoriam donation
    • Remember us in your will
    • Donate a Car
    • Host an event
  • Volunteers
    • Volunteer Awards 2022-2023
      • 2021-2022
      • 2019-2020
      • 2019
      • 2017-2018
      • 2016-2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • 2010
  • Community Partners
    • Caring Community Partner Award 2022-2023
      • 2021-2022
      • 2019-2020
      • 2018-2019
      • 2017-2018
      • 2016-2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • 2010
    • Caring Corporate Partner Award 2022-2023
      • 2021-2022
      • 2019-2020
      • 2018-2019
      • 2017-2018
      • 2016-2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • 2010
  • Contact Us
  • English
    • Français

April 22, 2022 | Category: Success Stories

Mae’s story: The thrill of the ride

When Jennifer Heelis takes her daughter Mae outside to play in the snow, it’s the little girl’s smiles that speak volumes about enjoyment and happiness.

Mae, 9, cannot cannot walk or move her hands because of a developmental disability and she does not use words to communicate. 

But her joys are plain to see in the wide smile that lights up her face.

Like when she’s out in her special snow sled.

“I trust the experts at Ability New Brunswick to find and recommend devices that are of great assistance…. They are a wonderful help to us.”

– Jennifer Heelis

The skillfully designed sled, provided through Ability New Brunswick on loan, allows people with mobility issues to enjoy the thrill of sledding in the winter. 

“The Snowcoach allows Mae to be out in winter conditions, sledding safely and with a guardian to guide it,” Jennifer says from their home in St. Stephen. “It works very smoothly.” 

The sled is the perfect vehicle for outdoor fun. It can be towed by someone walking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The person sits upright on the vehicle, strapped in, so they can enjoy the sights and sounds as they are whisked along.

“There are many smiles when we go out,” Jennifer says.

Mae also has a specially designed tricycle provided through Ability New Brunswick which she keeps at her school, allowing her to glide through the hallways.

“The other kids think it’s awesome,” her mom says. “The kids help motivate Mae along.”

Jennifer is thankful for the work Ability New Brunswick does in finding and providing devices to help improve the mobility of adults and children alike.

“They know how to keep people involved in both outdoor and indoor activities and that is so important for mental and physical health,” she says. “I trust the experts at Ability New Brunswick to find and recommend devices that are of great assistance to Mae. They are a wonderful help to us.”

Empower Ability NB through a gift of financial support. We rely on donations to maintain and build our services. You can help to empower mobility and independence in New Brunswick.
Donate Today

Primary Sidebar

Recent Success Stories

Alvin’s story: Finding freedom for Doris

New Brunswick Union salutes Ability NB with three-year gift

Kaitlyn’s story: Securing a brighter future

Footer

Head Office

Suite 102, 440 Wilsey Rd.,
Fredericton, NB E3B 7G5

Tel.: 506.462.9555
Fax: 506.458.9134
Toll-free: 1-866-462-9555
Google Map

Charitable registration #11883 5073 RR0001

Moncton Office

Suite 407, 236 St. George Street,
Moncton, N.-B. E1C 1W1

Tel.: 506.858.0311
Fax: 506.858.8290
Google Map

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search this Site

Copyright © 2025 Ability New Brunswick | Capacité Nouveau-Brunswick • Site Design & Maintenance: K!ERS