Karen Wempen, who has Cerebral Palsy, got her first Amigo in 1982 as an adult. She had made it through all of college with her friends walking her to and from classes with help from a cane. After college, she worked at the Illinois Department of Human Services, working her way to the Head of Programming and Development in IT.

“Before I got my Amigo, I didn’t go anywhere other than work. By the time I got somewhere, it was time to turn around. And someone had to go with me to help me walk. I could walk by myself indoors with a cane, but the ground outside was too uneven because of the sidewalks. And going up steps, ramps and curbs was impossible unless someone was holding my arm,” Karen said.

Amigo worked with Karen to help get the right Amigo for her needs, a customized Amigo RT Express with a power seat lift, lithium-ion batteries and a shorter platform and smaller seat.

After 39 years of working, she retired but wanted to stay busy. Inspired to help others with disabilities who were fighting for social security coverage, Karen earned the necessary certifications and started working as a disability advocate for people who have been denied social security benefits. For more than 15 years, Karen worked hard taking cases and being an advocate for people with disabilities. She is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR). To find a representative in your area, visit NADR.org. She took her last case in March 2021, and is retiring, for the second time. With the help of her Amigo, Karen plans to travel more. She has been all over the world – including Alaska and Disney more than 20 times.