February 24, 2025
If you’ve called REquipment in the afternoon, you’ve probably spoken to Elijah Tucker. Elijah came on board in October as Equipment Intake Coordinator, the position responsible for processing donation requests and answering our general phone line each afternoon.
Elijah arrived with a wealth of unique skills and experiences. We are delighted to share this interview so the REquipment community can better get to know Elijah.
REQ: Tell us a little about yourself. Are you originally from Massachusetts? How did you come to work for REquipment?
ET: Yes, I was born and raised in Massachusetts and attended Fitchburg State. I wanted to work for REquipment because the mission is so important. Growing up with cerebral palsy, I experienced barriers to getting affordable DME and AT firsthand. So, playing a part in this mission is amazing. Also, I was looking for a change in employment to something more conducive to my body’s needs. Before this, I was doing food prep for a caterer. Now I don’t have to stand for half a day and can work from home.
What’s it been like to answer the phones for us? Any surprises?
Most people are so grateful we exist. And I’ve had different people tell me how helpful we’ve been, and their stories really bring me joy. That’s mostly what it’s like. But because of my speech, I’ve also been called not nice things, including the R-word. Thankfully, those callers are few and far between.
That’s horrible.
And ignorant. Then there are the well-meaning people who say they’ll pray for me to “get better” or “heal.” But cerebral palsy is not an illness.
It sounds like people can make a lot of assumptions when they hear your voice.
Callers are mostly really nice. However, people often assume I have an intellectual disability because my speech is different. And some are patronizing. The other day, a man kept calling me “Honey.”
How did you learn about the job opening with REquipment?
I’ve worked with Adriana [REquipment’s CEO] in the past, and she let me know there was an opening here. Before Covid, I worked for her assistive technology startup, Puffin Innovations, Inc.
That doesn’t sound like food prep.
Well, I have a BS in computer science, and I did my thesis on Artificial Intelligence for Disability. At Puffin, I helped develop technology to anticipate and respond to a person’s needs. That work began when I was introduced to Adriana at MassChallenge through a professor I’d had at Fitchburg State. They knew I’d been having trouble getting hired after I graduated and introduced me to Adriana. Unfortunately, Puffin took a hit during Covid.
And now you’re doing more for REquipment than the job requires …
I’ve been helping out with website management, accessibility, and design. I had built the Puffin, Inc. website. It feels good to give back here and use my skills while I’m in school.
You’re in grad school?
I’m getting my masters in data science.
Welcome to REquipment, Elijah. We’re so glad to have you on our team.
