Description

Arlene Disbrow
Crucial Communications, LLC
East Randolph, VT

A communication partner to non-verbal individuals with experience in private nursing and home health, Arlene Disbrow of Crucial Communications recalls the struggle her father, who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and Lyme Disease, had in communicating with those around him. “In my desperation to hear what my father wanted to say,” says Disbrow, “I created the Point to Communicate system enabling him to communicate with his caregivers; his wife, family and friends, and the medical team.”

After some research, Arlene found that special needs individuals had a variety of technologies available to them, but there was nothing reasonably priced and available for the average person who is disabled with the loss of voice and writing. Soon what began as an idea focused on meeting her father’s needs evolved into a full-blown business venture.

“Finding funding sources was a big challenge. It was difficult for financial backers to see the ‘big picture’.” Community Capital understood and helped Arlene fund her venture.

Now the owner of Crucial Communications, Arlene offers her unique communications aid to people who have lost the ability to speak and write due to illness, injury, disease, or ageing. “The Point to Communicate system immediately changed the quality of my father’s life in a positive way and restored his integrity.” Through Crucial Communications, Arlene is now able to offer the same help to others.