Art with Impact (Troy Parker) and Holiday Travel Tips

Friendly Wheels, Issue 115

December 2017

Troy Parker, digital artist and longtime Amigo owner, shares his inspiration for his artwork, and holiday travel tips are shared.

Troy Parker Making an Impact through Art

Longtime Amigo owner, Troy Parker, is a celebrated artist who draws inspiration from nature and Bible verses. His journey as an artist began in middle school “when he acquired two new tools that burst open his world,” as his father, Jud Parker, writes in his book—that just came out this year, “Travels With Troy: A father-son journey of art and faith.”

Born with cerebral palsy, the two tools that aided Troy were his powered mobility vehicle, providing him independence, and home computer, with Clip Art spurring his creativity.

Seeing his potential, Troy’s father enrolled him in a computer class. After graduating from John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas, Troy pursued a series of computer graphics courses at Tyler Junior College. He became a master in Adobe Illustrator, preferred software used by artists and graphic designers to create scalable vector artwork, and then started his own business called T.P.’s HANDI-PEOPLE.

“The muscular limitations caused by cerebral palsy made it difficult for me to share my feelings and thoughts. Though labor intensive, I discovered I could create artwork using a computer mouse as my drawing tool,” Troy says. “I like creating something that other people seem to enjoy. My art allows me to talk and share with people about the gifts God has given me.”

As a digital artist, Troy created his own artistic style calling it “technofolk.” With an expanding portfolio of artwork, Troy developed some of his works into a line of greeting cards – each featuring a limited edition print along with the scripture reference.

“My advice for people looking to turn interests into a business is that, despite any limitation, through hard work there is always a way to make a positive difference,” says Troy.

Throughout the years, Troy has traveled to many art shows with his father. His favorite place to visit is Copper Harbor, Michigan. Troy enjoys Michigan’s Upper Peninsula so much, he named his new service dog, a golden doodle, “Yooper.”

Read more about Troy Parker’s journeys with his dad throughout the country and the awards he has received “based on his talent – not his disability” in the book, “Travels With Troy,” available on Amazon.

Do you have a story to share in Friendly Wheels? Send ideas to Sarah at speyok@myamigo.com to be featured in a future newsletter!

You Ask, We Answer

Here are a few helpful hints for entering and exiting buildings while driving your Amigo:

Opening Doors

To open a door that opens toward you, approach the door at an angle, just off to the handle side. Grab the door handle, reverse the Amigo and pull open the door. For doors that open away from you, release the handle and then slowly drive forward while pushing the door open.

Ramps, Inclines and Surface Changes

• Drive straight while driving up an incline, avoid turns and go slowly
• When driving over a surface change, drive forward instead of in reverse
• Amigo recommends driving on ramps that are one inch of height per one foot of length

Using Elevators

Backing into an elevator allows you to exit driving forward. Be sure to wait until the elevator is level with the floor before entering or exiting.