Donor Support Puts Jordan Back in the Driver’s Seat

Written By Manitoba Possible
Jordan and his daughter at the Zoo. She is 3 years old with curly brown hair and is sitting in his lap and smiling at the camera. He is smiling at the camera wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap.

Before Jordan Sobey sat behind the wheel and held the adaptive driving controls in his hands, he faced a challenge many Manitobans with disabilities know all too well: limited access to reliable, accessible transportation.

Jordan became a wheelchair user after being diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer. Living in rural Manitoba, he relied on others to drive him to appointments, errands, and daily tasks.

“Without an accessible vehicle, I couldn’t take myself to the doctor, to get groceries, or visit with friends,” he says. “I had lost a big piece of my independence.”

That changed when Jordan connected with Manitoba Possible’s Assistive Technology program. Assistive Technology is a broad term for equipment or software that helps people with disabilities maintain or improve their daily life.

Manitoba Possible re-launched the Assistive Technology program in 2024 after hearing from across our organization about the growing need. Employment teams emphasized how the right supports can break down barriers to in the workplace, while therapists highlighted the impact on social inclusion for children. In the first year, we were able to provide $70,000 of equipment to 62 Manitobans. 

Jordan was one of those Manitobans, receiving vehicle modifications including hand controls for accelerating and braking, and a spinner knob for steering. For the first time in five years, he could sit behind the wheel and get himself where he needed to go.

Jordan poses for a photo in front of his car. The front door is open and you can see the vehicle modifications on his steering wheel.

“I can now drive my family places, enjoy hobbies with friends, and volunteer, including with Manitoba Possible. Being able to support my family again and give back to my community has given me a renewed sense of purpose.”

Jordan was finally able to take a bucket-list road trip through Minneapolis, Wisconsin Dells, and Chicago with his family.

“I watched my daughter splash for hours at the waterpark, cheer at baseball games, and explore the Mall of America. These are moments I’ll carry forever.”

Assistive technology—whether it’s a vehicle modification, a communication device, or custom wheelchair seating—isn’t about the equipment itself. It’s about the independence, the memories, and the sense of purpose it creates. 

The number of Manitobans waiting for equipment continues to grow. Your support helps make it possible.

Donate today and ensure every Manitoban can participate fully and equally in our community.

Manitoba Possible
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