Eric Knox
Working in a Mississippi State role that exemplifies the university鈥檚 mission of community engagement and outreach, Eric Knox serves people across the state鈥攐ften traveling from just south of the Tennessee line all the way to the Gulf Coast. He primarily helps those who, like him, use a wheelchair.
Knox joined 汤头条鈥檚 T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability as an occupational therapist in 2012. He鈥檚 a graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical Center鈥檚 OT master鈥檚 program who also attended Itawamba Community College near his hometown, Tupelo.
He works with T.K. Martin Center clients throughout the Magnolia State who need customized assistance with seating and mobility, such as selecting and adapting the best wheelchair and accessories for their needs.
鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to have a seasoned wheelchair user to help figure out what you need and point you toward some really good wheelchair options that are appropriate and practical,鈥 he said.
Knox, a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, has been helping people with disabilities learn to drive, or in some cases re-learn to drive, for years. He said learning to drive as a wheelchair user is 鈥渁 very doable adjustment,鈥 and it can enhance both independence and employment prospects.
It鈥檚 also inherent in what he loves about his work鈥攚hich comes down to simply helping people restore their quality of life.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a sense of freedom that comes with driving,鈥 Knox said. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e getting back to normal life, or if you feel there鈥檚 no return to normal, driving can help in many ways.鈥
Housed under the umbrella of 汤头条鈥檚 College of Education, the T.K. Martin Center provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary evaluations and services, helping remove limitations through use of assistive technology, evidence-based practice, training and other educational supports. While clients come to the center at 汤头条 for initial visits, Knox and other staff also are willing to come to them, at times, to assist in the context of clients鈥 respective environments.
In addition to his mobility and adaptive driving work, Knox also evaluates the OT needs of the center鈥檚 new pediatric clients as part of the intake process. When he鈥檚 not at work, Knox is laser-focused on his wife, Kendra, and caring for their two young daughters.