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Abbey Quarles credits her first successful year of college to having access to the assistive technology that was made possible with Sara Spins. With a customized wheelchair and Smart Drive technology, these devices helped to reduce fatigue and increased safety by providing a seated position to help regulate her fainting and tremors. |
Abbey became sick in 2009, and after countless doctor visits, she was diagnosed with Autonomic Dysfunction in the spring of her high school senior year in 2012. As a result, she was mostly dependent on her clunky manual wheelchair and was nervous about how to navigate the hilly campus. Prior to meeting Sara, Abbey and her mom had already begun the process of researching all options regarding accessible campus housing and accommodations through the disability services office.
In August of 2012, days before school started at UC, she saw Sara on campus testing out her new wheels. It was then that Sara Spins grew from a one-time fundraising effort to an organization dedicated to helping other students. Abbey has been involved with the fundraising and advocacy efforts ever since.
As Abbey’s condition worsened, she sought out the POTS Treatment Center in Dallas, Texas. May of 2020 marked the seven-year post-treatment and her health has immensely improved. She is now able to manage her symptoms through diet, exercise and creating margin in her life. Through learning what her new limits are and applying what works for her she has developed a strong passion for slow and intentional living.
She is a wife, full-time Interior Designer, dog mom, and homemaker. By slowing down and processing her days she holds deeply to her practice of spirituality, meditation, mindfulness and journaling. She is in the process of launching a blog that shares the lessons and lifestyle changes that she has learned from living with chronic illness and the keys to unlock a life lived well.
As an avid podcast listener, she enjoys learning about all things business, leadership, personal development, total wellness including (financial, spiritual, emotional, and physical).
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati in 2017. As a full-time Interior Designer at Champlin Architecture she primarily focuses on workplace design. She is pursuing her NCDIQ licensure and is passionate about employee development and engagement opportunities. When designing, she takes into consideration on how to provide equity beyond the ADA accessibility standards when it comes to the experience of persons with disabilities. A beautiful and functional design should also alleviate barriers whenever possible.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati in 2017. As a full-time Interior Designer at Champlin Architecture she primarily focuses on workplace design. She is pursuing her NCDIQ licensure and is passionate about employee development and engagement opportunities. When designing, she takes into consideration on how to provide equity beyond the ADA accessibility standards when it comes to the experience of persons with disabilities. A beautiful and functional design should also alleviate barriers whenever possible.