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Darwin
Gitch
Sumner
Waterloo Area Office
Darwin Gitch is 60 years old and has worked in the insurance industry
since 1988. In 2000 he started his own agency – Gitch Insurance
Agency – which he operates from his home in Sumner. In 2004 he was
referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for an epidural to relieve back
pain. There were complications during the procedure and he is now a paraplegic.
Throughout his recuperation, Darwin’s plan was to continue with
his insurance business, but given the nature of his business, he knew
he would need to find a way to continue traveling the area to meet with
his clients and to develop new ones. He was referred to Iowa Vocational
Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) in 2005 for assistance to help with modifying
his van. After completing an evaluation and receiving consultation on
his vehicle needs, Darwin’s van was modified with a power door,
bi-fold ramp with manual back-up system, removable front passenger and
driver seat, four-point tie down system, hand control brakes and accelerator.
As a result of the assistance he received from IVRS, he has achieved his
goal of remaining independent as he continues working at his insurance
business.
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