Kent - REMAP - Custom made equipment for disabled people

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Touch sensitive remote control

The lady in this case suffers from MS, Arthritis, and is on Oxygen due to respiratory problems.

She was unable to operate the press buttons on the electric bed remote and if, in the night, she needed to lift the head of the bed due to choking problems she had to wake her husband up to operate the bed.

Assessment car for rehabilitation patients

The East Kent Neuro Rehabilitation Department had an old quarter of a mini which used to be used as rehabilitation practice for their patients. However, this was thrown away during Covid.

The department requested for something similar to be made as the previous equipment was such a beneficial addition for rehabilitation.

Rising Shower Chair

The client, a man in his early 70s, has a rare late-onset progressive muscle disorder (inclusion-body myositis). He currently is wheelchair dependent and relies on a full function powered (“Quickie”) wheelchair. He has almost no extension power in the knees but can nevertheless make standing transfers between his elevating bed, his elevating wheelchair, and his elevating armchair, which are all electrically powered. Any seat he transfers from must therefore be high enough that his knees are fully extended as soon as his heels contact the floor, before weightbearing . This transfer method obviously does not allow for bathing or showering using a fixed-height shower chair. The layout of his house does not allow for hoisting. However, he has a wet-room shower, which he was able to use until recent years. He was therefore keen to acquire a rise-and-fall wheeled shower chair which could be added to his usable seating and re-enable showering.

Motorised Easel

A well known mouth painting artist required a multi way adjustable and 360 degree rotating easel so that she could try new techniques in painting. The easel had to be lightweight, collapsible and portable in order to be used in different locations, and also able to accommodate many different shapes and sizes of canvas. 

Head support

Chris has motor neurone disease and one impact is known as “dropped head syndrome” meaning his neck muscles have insufficient strength to keep his head upright. Apart from the fatigue, this means Chris needs to support his head with his hand, his elbow resting on a table or his knee.

The usual solution to this problem is to use a neck brace but Chris finds this solution very uncomfortable and prefers to go without it. He wanted Remap to try and come up with a discreet and lightweight solution.

One-Handed Knitting Aid

To enable the client to take up her knitting hobby again after suffering a stroke, which restricted the use of her left arm

Spork-lift

Following a serious accident, the client is unable to raise his hands much above waist-level and accordingly is unable to feed himself using conventional cutlery. A long-handled fork was made for him (KW1448) which has proved successful, but he would like the additional flexibility offered by a spoon. A long-handled spoon is not viable so a means of raising a spoon from the plate to the mouth was needed which maintained the spoon in a horizontal position throughout.

Tamper proof car harness buckle

Hyper active child constantly undid seatbelt buckle and roamed the car, often grabbing the driver. The need was for a simple device which would permit the buckle to be used either normally or in tamper proof mode. It should not interfere with releasing the buckle in an emergency.

The original request was made more complicated by the need for any harness to work in conjunction with a child’s car seat, and also for it to be transferable to the school bus bench seat.

The solution turned out to be a very simple adaptation to a commercial harness. A cover in 16g steel, was attached to the tongue of the buckle latch. This had a simple keyhole through which car driver could insert the car key or similar to release the buckle but too small for the child’s finger to operate the release button. By turning the tongue through 180 degrees the buckle could be used normally.

The child is now safely restrained and the driver able to drive without constant worry and distraction. The buckle remains quick-release in the event of an emergency and the whole system can be transferred to another vehicle.

The child’s mother said that she had been both delighted and relieved to find a solution to what she thought was an insoluble problem.

 

Device for one-armed cricketer

Device for one-armed cricketerIain is a keen young cricketer who was born with the bottom of his right arm missing. A lightweight device was needed with 360 degree flexibility of movement to help him play cricket.

A thermo-plastic tube was fitted with a universal hook joint mounted in a sealed ball race and attached to an aluminium socket to hold the tip of the cricket bat handle. The device had to be strong enough to withstand the considerable forces involved in swinging a cricket bat. The bat handle was held in the device by rolling the rubber sleeve over it.

Iain is now able to take a full part in playing cricket and it has also improved his self belief and confidence.

 

Working stepped stool

Working stoolThe client is unable to extend her legs from the hips and knees. She is in a permanently crouched position and needed a stool to enable her to work comfortably in her kitchen.

A simple stool was made with steps which enabled her to reach her work surfaces with ease.

The client is now able to work more safely and comfortably in the kitchen.

 

Weighted beaker

Weighted beakerThe client’s condition resulted in violent hand tremors which prevented him drinking from a normally weighted, though modified, tumbler.

After some experimenting, it was found that by adding weight to the beaker in the form of an encased lead ‘shoe’ this enabled the client to use it normally.

The client can now drink without assistance from others.

(Kent West)

Typists chair steady

Typists chair steadyThe client has very weak arms and legs and wished to use her computer, at a normal desk, to write a book. Her problem was steadying the typists chair as she mounted and dismounted.

A nest was provided to sit against the wall and into which the chair casters nestled when she needed stability. The seat was prevented from rotating by adding extensions to the rear of the arms.

The client was able to use her computer safely without rearranging her installation.

(West Kent)

Telephone dialling system for the blind

Telephone dialling system for the blindAn almost blind client, unable to read even large telephone buttons, required a simple dialling system with pre-programmed numbers.

The telephone was electrically connected to a commercial pre-programmable speech-recording device mounted in a metal box which houses the control electronics, a speaker and microphone and has eight selector buttons. When the client selects a button the unit speaks the name of the person to be called. Once the correct person is found, the telephone handset is lifted and the button pressed a second time. The unit then speaks the name again and automatically dials the required number.

The client is now able to use the telephone to contact eight frequently called/important numbers without assistance.

(Kent West)

Child’s stair lift

Stair liftOliver is a young boy who, having cerebral palsy, cannot climb the stairs and whose prime carer, his father, is also physically disabled and therefore unable to carry him. As Oliver grows, the problem is only going to get worse. The width of the stairs is quite limited and yet all members of the family need to use the stairs safely.

Tracks were provided which could fold away when the stairs were in use by other members of the family. A buggy was designed, around a child’s cycle seat, that would enable Oliver to be wheeled to the stairs and then winched up the tracks using a hand-powered winch fitted with an anti run-back device.

Oliver can now be transported upstairs safely and the stairs cleared for others in the family. The only problem is getting Oliver off it!

(Kent West)

Special worktop

Special worktop 1 Sharon, who has multiple sclerosis, is seated in her wheelchair all the time. She wanted to use her kitchen worktops for the usual purpose, but her chair would not allow her to sit close enough to do so.

A new worktop was provided which would pull forward on rails to allow her to sit at it comfortably. The top was hinged at the back to give access for cleaning underneath.

Special worktop 2

Sharon can now use the kitchen surfaces much more easily than before and they can be easily cleaned.

(Kent West)

Pot holder

Pot holderThe humble double-sided suction soap holder, as shown in the photo, has hidden talents which can be put to good use to help the disabled. Elaine, who had the use of one arm only, experienced great difficulty in holding various kitchen utensils and crockery for cleaning.

After considering several options, none of which were practical, the aforesaid soap holder was tried and proved to be eminently successful. If the holder is submerged in the base of the sink, then pots etc can easily be pushed onto the holder single-handedly where they are then securely held during cleaning. For large utensils, additional holders can be used.

Elaine is now able to wash up with ease.

(Kent West)

Pan holder

Lakhbir has the use of only his right arm and also has a slight learning difficulty. He enjoys cooking but cannot hold a pan with one hand while stirring with the other.

A device was produced which fitted on to the pan supports on the gas ring, locating the pan centrally over it. Lakhbir can now stir the contents of the pan while it is firmly located over the gas ring.

 

Painting easel

Painting easelThe client, who uses an inclined wheelchair, wished to hold her paints and painting work at a suitable angle.

An adjustable easel was produced which would fit on the tables at the care home where she resided.

The client can now enjoy her hobby without outside assistance.

One-handed baby sling

One-armed baby slingThe client has no strength in her right arm and needs to be able to carry her baby up and down stairs without the support of her left arm.

A commercial baby sling needs two hands to be effective. The heavy ends were removed and replaced with suitable webbing, utilising the existing twin ring buckle. The flexibility and lightness of the webbing enabled easy adjustment of the sling length using the left hand only. The twin rings effectively locked on the webbing to stop any slip. The position and fixing of the webbing to the sling was such as to form a natural cradle to ensure maximum safety for mother and baby.

The client is able to carry her baby without help.

Musical toilet

The client needed encouragement to use the toilet.

Controlled by an ultra-sonic sensor, a battery powered solid state unit was constructed to play appropriate music (the client requested Cliff Richard or Elvis Presley) when the client uses the toilet. A charger was also provided.

The client is now keen to use the toilet.

Moving and turning platform

The client, a young boy with cerebral palsy, is able to stand and move forward but is unable to step from side to side or transfer from one piece of equipment to another without assistance. His carers are unable to lift him and prefer not to use hoists in order to aid his rehabilitation.

A combined supporting frame & standing platform was made that can be raised and lowered using compressed air operated bellows. The client can raise or lower the platform using a button mounted on the frame. When at the desired height, the platform can be rotated and he can be assisted to step backwards into his wheelchair. Wheels afford easy transportation, whilst six feet maintain stability.

The client is now personally involved in any repositioning process. He regards the device as “Something James Bond would have”.

Mounting for oxygen bottle on child’s buggy

The young child, born prematurely, needs oxygen 24 hours a day, meaning that his mother had to carry a heavy oxygen cylinder with her when taking him out in his buggy. The buggy needed to be modified to carry a quickly detachable cylinder whilst retaining its folding capability and ability to tow a “buggy board” on which his three-year old sister stands.

The cylinder is secured by quick-release straps to a lightweight metal platform, supported by two hinged horizontal support bars. The platform and its support bars are affixed using quick-release “R” pins in such a way that once the bottle has been removed, the platform can be removed and the support bars swung upwards and secured by “R” pins in a matter of seconds.

The mother no longer has to carry a heavy cylinder about, and can still fold the pushchair in order to board buses or stow it in a car.

Mounting for Oxygen Bottle on Child’s Buggy 1Mounting for Oxygen Bottle on Child’s Buggy 2

Motorised hammock

Motorised hammockThis six-year old is brain damaged, partially sighted and deaf. Her parents wanted a motorised hammock which could give a sense of movement and her carers wanted some relief from rocking her in her sprung cradle.

The swing has a freestanding steel frame with out-riggers for stability which can be swung inwards when the swing needs to be moved. The child lies in her sprung cradle which is clamped in a wooden tray. The swing is powered by a vehicle windscreen wiper motor and a modified linkage with variable speed control.

The child spends some time in the swing every day and smiles and appears to be happy. Her mother gets some relief from the continuous demands of this very disabled child.

(Medway & Swale)

Modifications to wheelchair to allow use of camera

Modifications to wheelchair to allow use of cameraThe lady client is a keen photographer and wishes to pursue her hobby despite being a wheelchair user and unable to hold her camera steady.

A removable support was constructed from stainless steel bar to carry a standard camera body fixing. The support is clamped to one of the wheelchair’s arms and swivels allow it to be adjustable for height, angle of elevation and direction. Clamping of the whole assembly to the arm and of the individual swivels is effected by large wing nuts.

The client can pursue her hobbies despite her disabilities.

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