The table that was made has a table top set at the lowest possible height above the knees, narrow enough to pass between the chair arms and legs wide enough to pass either side of the chair.

Subsequently, the client asked for a caddy to hold her spectacles, TV remote control, etc.

Caddy added

A simple plywood stop was made that can be easily placed at the top of the stairs by the carers when needed, but can be removed to avoid creating a tripping hazard for others..

Using a mock-up, it was established that the client could operate a joystick and, since no such controllers were available from the chair manufacturer, one was bought and fitted in parallel with the standard controller (for use by his carers).

Because of his limited arm movement, the client was unable to move his hand to keep it on the joystick as the chair backrest (and his body) moved backwards.  The joystick would not only have to be mounted within the top of the armrest, but it (and the wrist support) would also have to follow the movement of the backrest. This was achieved by a system of pulleys and elasticated cord.

Accora (the chair manufacturer) and Phoenix Mecano (the UK arm of Okin, the providers of the existing controls) were particularly helpful in their assistance.

The client’s parents bought a commercial toy stand and a plywood book rest was made to fit.  The straps allow the book rest to be adjusted to suit different seat heights.  Wire arms hold the book pages open.

The round plastic quick-release brackets from the old chair were fixed to the new one with purpose-made aluminium adapter plates.

The ramp was made in four sections, as shown.

Alternative solution

An octagonal base was made with wooden clips to retain the chair’s base ring.

A separate request was subsequently received for a similar chair, for which a different solution was developed.

Berkshire Panel Job BK2018/14.

A plywood board with side supports was bolted to the base of the aid using existing bolt holes.

Foot rest extension fitted…

.. with padding added.

A footrest extension piece was made with tubular supports that mated with tubes fixed to the underside of the existing footrest.

An alternative solution to a similar problem: Modify foot rest of riser/recliner chair

It was found that the poor braking ability of the trolley was caused by the low grip between the wheels and the carpet.  The two braked wheels were replaced by wooden ones with ribbed rubber tyres glued and stapled in place.

After discussion, it was agreed to use two harness, as at present, but make them easier to use.

Three Crelling harnesses for use inside vehicles were modified with quick-release buckles to allow them to be fitted more easily to any vehicle.

A new harness, using a standard load-bearing vest (as used by soldiers and paint-ball enthusiasts), modified by adding webbing straps to the front and back for carers to hold, for use while out walking.  The harness is thin enough to be worn inside a vehicle underneath the Crelling harness.

A light weight folding wooden ramp set was made.  It is light enough for the client’s carer to lift it into and out of position to allow the patio doors to be closed.

The stainless steel cage clamps on the side of the stove.

Two stands were made, one for use on a workbench and the other for outside.  Once positioned by his carer, the mounting bracket holds the drill steady and guides its motion along two parallel guide rods.

The outdoor stand has a base made from a heavy pulley wheel to give stability.  Its arm can be adjusted to hold the drill in almost any position. The wheels enable it to be moved easily.

The work bench top has threaded inserts in a grid pattern to allow aids (eg. mitre block and G-clamps) to be located conveniently.

The workbench stand has an articulated arm to allow the drill to be positioned anywhere on the bench top.

A simple tripod with tubular fibreglass legs holds the client’s bottle and wire cage at the required height

A infant’s cot mattress was bought and a folding wall-mounted table made to fit it.  Handrails allow the client to manoeuvre himself into position.  A chain holds the table in the folded up position.  Leg braces ensure the two legs are correctly positioned.

Underside of tray trolley showing tray drop mechanism

Original trolleys

Trolleys in use

The metal crosspieces were removed and new counter tops made which could hold the extra deep bins and had a higher upstand at the back where easily visible images could be displayed. Tray width shelves were attached to the front of the trolleys using brackets which allowed the shelves to be folded down when not in use.

There was a desire to make the trolleys fun to use and to provide some reward for successful completion of the task. The final station, by which point the children would only have their tray left, consisted of a tray shaped cut-out in the counter top with a metal strip at each side which would support the tray when placed in the recess. The strip on one side was connected to a pair of solenoids so that it could be withdrawn electrically allowing the tray to fall into a hopper in the lower part of the trolley. A speech recording module capable of recording a 10 second message was also included and connected to a loudspeaker located in the upstand at the back of the counter. A large illuminated green button was located at the front of the counter. As a final task, the children place the tray into the recess and press the green button, at which point the tray disappears and clatters into the hopper below and the recorded message (e.g. Well done, you have finished) plays. The trays fall in a neat pile and can be retrieved by the kitchen staff.

A microphone was provided so that new messages could be recorded. It is likely that the school will encourage pupils to take turns in recording the message, perhaps changing the message every week.

A folding bench was attached to his chest of drawers, allowing him to work with a better posture.

The aluminium handle clips onto the pump control knob and provides the additional leverage needed.

A stainless steel bracket clipped to the frame of the commode supports the bottle.  A camera tripod ball joint provides angular adjustment.

Three height-adjustable floor-mounted stands were made, using standard A4 clipboards to hold the printed symbols.

Simple wooden plinths with a suitably sized cut-out were made.  Non-skid matting on the underside was found to give sufficient security.

Height adjustable tubular steel rails were fitted.

The new ramp is stiffer and longer giving a gentler slope.  It is also longer on one side to allow for the difference in floor levels.  The ramp folds and can be moved easily using the two hand holes.