Wheelchair food tray
27th April 2014
The parents of a hyperactive boy who wouldn’t sit at the table on a chair and had a habit of throwing plates asked for our help. They were going on holiday abroad with him for the first time and were very apprehensive about mealtimes.
As he had a new wheelchair into which he could be strapped, a portable tray was made which could be securely fixed to the chair. When not in use it could be carried on the chair base.
The chair worked very well at mealtimes and also, when out walking, toys on his tray kept him interested. It was a valuable contribution to the success of the holiday.
Support for guitar player
25th April 2014
Ellie, a young lady with severe muscle problems, wished to play the guitar but does not have the strength to hold the instrument and play the strings at the same time. The provision of a support would help her physical and mental development.
A secondhand chair was cut down to Ellie’s size and steel frames were attached which provide adjustable supports for the neck and base of the guitar. This holds the guitar in a comfortable playing position.
Ellie is now able to concentrate on playing the instrument without having to worry about holding it.
Spiral toy teaching aid
25th April 2014
The Child Development Centre in Grimsby have a teaching aid which consists of a spiral tube through which a ball descends into a box. The object of the device is to help severely disabled children, through play, to develop their muscles and hand/eye coordination. A similar device was needed which was portable so that children could borrow it for a while to take home and further develop their skills.
Using plywood and a length of 100mm clear plastic extractor tube, a similar device was produced, which the photograph makes clear.
The centre is able to make this facility available to families outside school hours to give extra help to the children.
Special tray for wheelchair
25th April 2014
A wheelchair client with restricted arm movement had problems when he went out with his friends to a pub or restaurant because he could not get near enough to a table to feed himself. As a result his friends had to feed him which he found embarrassing.
A portable tray was made which attached to the wheelchair arms with Velcro. This was raised above arm level about 125mm to enable him to easily lift his food or drink to his mouth. While in transit the tray was designed to hang on the back of the wheelchair.
The client could go out with his family and friends and eat and drink without aid, hopefully benefiting his self-esteem.
Face inset board
10th April 2014
A local organization who teach pre-school children with learning and physical difficulties, requested a toy to enable a child to recognize and manipulate features of the face.
Using two sheets of plywood, a head shape was produced with recesses to take discs painted with eyes, nose, mouth and ears.
The toy enabled a child to have fun while being taught to manipulate, recognize and name features of the face.
Dolls pram walking aid
8th April 2014
The Child Development Centre required a walking aid with an adjustable handle so that it could be used by children of various heights. It had also to be suitably weighted to provide stability.
A walking aid in the form of a doll’s pram was produced, weighted with a steel plate in the base to provide stability, complete with an adjustable handle. The pram came complete with covers and a doll to introduce an element of play into the learning experience.
The Centre now has a playful walking aid.
Booster seat
11th March 2014
A severely disabled boy who had outgrown his high-chair required a booster seat to enable him to sit at the dining table for meals.
A booster seat was constructed which could be strapped to a dining chair. To allow for growth, it had an adjustable seat height and footrest.
The boy could enjoy his meals seated at the table.
Bicycle foot clips
11th March 2014
A young girl with muscular problems was recommended by her occupational therapist to cycle in order to build up her leg muscles but her legs were not strong enough to keep her feet on the pedals.
Using straps to overcome the problem was considered but dismissed as if she fell off the bicycle, they could cause further injuries. The problem was overcome by making cycle clips out of 2mm sheet aluminium, these held her feet on the pedal but she could easily slip out of them if necessary. The client can now play on her bicycle with her friends, building up her muscles in the process.
Grimsby & District
The parents of a hyperactive boy who wouldn’t sit at the table on a chair and had a habit of throwing plates asked for our help. They were going on holiday abroad with him for the first time and were very apprehensive about mealtimes.
