SUCCESS STORY OF FREDERICK E. LEE
DIVISION: DRS
PROGRAM: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS)
On June 16, 2005, Frederick E. Lee of Houston suffered a
gunshot wound that cut his spinal cord and left him paralyzed
from his waist down. A month later, Frederick was referred to
DARS’ Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program (CRS) to help him
improve his mobility and independence.
DARS provided Frederick with a wheel chair, outpatient physical
therapy and a stand-up frame so he could complete his daily
tasks at his job. Frederick also received counseling and
guidance to be able to live his life independently, as well as
information about other community services he might utilize.
Frederick quickly reached his goals in the CRS program and
learned how to get around in his wheelchair, and how to use his
stand up frame to maneuver around his home and work. Physical
therapy helped strengthen the muscles in his lower limbs and he
was shown how to properly keep stress off his limbs to encourage
the optimal alignment of his ankles, knees, hips and spine. By
May 2007, these services administered by DARS’ CRS program
allowed Frederick to perform everything needed to maintain
independent living at home and work.
After receiving services from DARS, Frederick’s doctor released
him back to his normal life, including returning to work with
the trucking company where he was employed before his injury.
His CRS counselor says that Frederick is ready to receive the
vocational services provided by DARS. Frederick has expressed
interest in training for Computer Aided Design and would like to
specialize in computer animation.
Frederick praised his experience with DARS: “I am very thankful
for the support I received due to my injury. I did not know this
type of service existed. The services helped me cope with the
life altering situation that I faced. I will recommend these
services to anyone who is in need of the services.”
