The solution was to construct a stand in two parts, a base and an upright which included the drum holder. The upright fits into a socket on the base and is held in place by two toggle clamps. The drum holder is in the form of a bricklayer’s hod which can hold drums of the various sizes owned by the school. The hod is attached to the upright by two adjustable, hand tightened, clamps which allow both height and angle to be set to suit each user.

The stand can be broken down, both for storage and for carriage when visiting other locations.  The plywood base allows the wheelchair wheels to ride over it without damage.  Three stands were made.

50mm high blocks were made from layers of plywood and faced with mahogany to match the piano.

A plywood bracket was clamped to the pedal to lower its action to near floor level. Because the upper surface of the pedal was curved, the lower surface of the top half of the bracket was hollowed out.  To ensure it conformed exactly to the complex shape of the pedal, the cavity was part-filled with epoxy filler, the pedal covered in cling-film and the bracket bolted in place while it set.  Once set, the excess epoxy and film were removed. The assembly then clamped firmly to the pedal.

The client can now play without the risk of losing her toys.

A similar project was made using a Perspex sheet insert and suckers on the ends of the cords.

A crank-operated rising table was made to raise and lower the exerciser between the two levels.  Two cams hold the table in the upper position.  Fraction brakes control the speed of descent.

More detailed pictures and description are available.

A plastic garden seat was modified and bolted to the Medici seat to provide the necessary support.

Pedals in natural positions

Pedal rotated to show fixing method

Straps were added to the existing pedals. The metal parts provide counterweights to ensure the pedals naturally sit with the straps upwards.

This floor-mounted stand holds the bottle at the required height and angle.  The flat plywood base does not interfere with the wheels of the wheelchair.

Investigation showed that the aerosols in use had a combined spray  nozzle and cap and this complex shape was the main reason for their being hard to use. If the cap is removed, the valve and valve stem that are exposed are fairly standard and a simple button spray nozzle can be fitted to the valve stem in its place.  This can then be operated by a commercially available spray trigger gun (as sold in car spares shops for spray paint cans) which clips around the crimp seam between the body and the valve.  By having a selection of simple standard spray nozzles and several trigger guns, most aerosols can be adapted by the client to be easily operated.

Understanding the underlying issues and re-purposing a readily available tool were all that was needed to provide an elegantly simple solution. The rubber band was Remap’s only technical innovation.

The client can now operate all his current aerosols and has been provided with the skills to be able to use the new aerosol styles that will be encountered in the future.

Replacement footrests were bought from the manufacturer that use a vertical push release.  The release button has been extended so that it is within reach of the client and a second lever added to allow the client to rotate the footrest.  This is duplicated on both footrests.

A tap operator was made out of 22mm chromed steel pipe with a ring at one end to engage with the lever-operated taps.

The operator for the plug was made from 22mm plastic pipe.  The lower end is fixed to the plug.  The upper end is fixed, via D-shaped piping, to the bath taps with stainless steel clips (normally used for storing tools) which has sufficient flexibility to allow the plug to be opened and closed.

Side rail

Top bracket

Bottom bracket

A small plastic tray was purchased and clipped to the bag support stand with fold-back clips.

Other similar designs have been made over the years.

Since these aids were made, the range of commercial aids has improved and something like this may be suitable , even for those with dexterity issues:

The slatted seat back is attached to the pre-existing wall-mounted handrails by 22 dia. SS support poles with marine-grade end fittings.  It is easily removed or adjusted with thumbscrews or quick-release pins.  Two webbing restraining straps (only one shown) at chest and waist height hold the client in position.

A head rest can be fitting in the future, if required.

The client can now be toileted in a dignified and safe manner.

Cord restraint

Board stored when not in use

A new varnished plywood board rests on the stairlift seat to support the client’s legs while travelling on the stairs, held in place by the client’s weight .  The board’s freedom to movement is restricted by a length of cord that passes behind the seatback.  The board also serves as a transfer board to allow the client to move from wheelchair to stairlift and vice versa. The board can be stored when not in use and does not affect the stairlift in the parked position.

Modifications to the buggy handlebar

New parts

New clamp to fix new brake cable to existing brake rod.  Identical clamp was used to fix the cable at the other end to the new brake bar

The existing parking brake engages a rod into the hub of each rear wheel. The rods were originally spring-loaded to retract. For this modification, the spring from one brake rod was removed and fitted such that it forces the rod into engagement with the wheel hub. The other brake rod was not modified and still acts as a parking brake.

A new two-part bracket is clamped to the existing axle and holds the end of the new brake cable sheath, while allowing the existing brake rod to move freely.

A new brake bar is fitted into two holes, one drilled into the inside of each arm of the existing buggy handle. It is made from 6mm dia SS rod bent to shape. The end of the new brake cable is clamped to it. The brake cable sheath is held in a standard bicycle brake part, fixed to the existing buggy handle.

Holding the new brake bar up withdraws the existing brake rod from the existing wheel hub and allows the buggy to move. Releasing the brake bar allows the spring to force the brake rod into engagement with the wheel hub, stopping the buggy.

An alternative approach is wo proved  a tether between the buggy and user: https://www.makeability.org.uk/project/23054/buggy-safety-tether/

The red button must be depressed to release the belts.

A simple G-clamp was made that can be slipped around the buckle.  Turning the screw depresses the red button of the buckle, releasing the belts.

A gate was made from a metal child’s stairgate, with the plastic hinges and catches replaced by metal ones and a wooden handrail added. Safety catches stop the gate from being removed unintentionally.

A shaped finger splint made from 2mm thick ABS is held in place with two Velcro straps.

The client can now use his Tablet.

A wooden frame was made to fit in the foot well and a fabric cover (food-grade conveyor belt) fitted under the seat base.

The parts are easily removable when the car lease expires.

The client no longer damages himself or his car

This job was subsequently repeated on a new car under BK2015/08 .

This free-standing design requires no modification to the treadmill and allows it to be removed for others to use.  The location of the hand rails can be moved to allow for the client’s future development.

The client can now exercise without assistance.

See alternative solution.