27th April 2014
This lady has cerebral palsy and needs a detachable tray mounted on her wheelchair. As this lady is prone to violent spasms in her limbs the tray needed to be strong and at the same time provide a soft protection to prevent bruising herself.
A rectangular tray support frame was constructed to fit the wheelchair.
The client now has a wheelchair tray which is safe for her to use.
27th April 2014
The client, who has multiple sclerosis, needed a tray to hold his laptop for use when he is in either his reclining armchair or his wheelchair.
A tabletop was made and bolted to the horizontal arm of an L-shaped frame, cantilevered out from a support pillar over which the vertical arm of the frame slides and turns. The pillar is mounted on the front of one armrest and can be swung either over the armchair or else out from it for wheelchair access. It can be adjusted vertically by means of stops.
The client can now use his computer without needing to change chairs and is very satisfied with the result.
26th April 2014
The client is quadriplegic and confined to his bed. He relies on his over-bed table to accommodate all his necessities within reach, including his laptop computer. The result is that there is insufficient space for everything at once.
A new larger table was made and fitted to the existing frame. The computer is carried on a sloped lectern, which can be swung over the tabletop on a supporting arm, using a push/pull rod. When not in use it rests clear of the table.
He now has an uncluttered work surface that is free of the computer except when it is wanted.
25th April 2014
The client is recovering from a stroke. His bath is narrow with a bottom that provides a very small width that is flat enough for standing securely. The need was to provide a wider stable platform that could be fitted to the bath as needed.
A slatted platform was mounted on a pair of contoured bearers. This raises the standing area by 75mm, giving a width for standing of 440mm, ample for his needs.
To prevent the platform slipping, a pair of vertical members carries a crosspiece that bears on the tops of the sides of the bath and prevents rotation. The centre slat is extended to bear against the lower end of the bath, in order to prevent slipping longitudinally.
The client can now balance himself securely when entering or leaving his bath.
21st April 2014
This gentleman had a stroke and is only able to use one arm. Whilst living in Australia, he had a sandwich cutter but this went astray when he traveled back to England. This device helped him to cut a filled sandwich in half without the contents falling out.
He submitted a design to the panel based on his previous sandwich cutter. The client is now able to cut his sandwich in half without losing any of the contents.
15th April 2014
The father of a child with cerebral palsy wanted to be able to take her chair on to the grass in the park.
A large diameter dual wheel unit from a pram was fitted on to the chair footrest mounting pillar. The height was such as to lift the chair front wheels well clear of the ground and freedom was allowed in the system for castoring. Allowance was made for easy removal on-road.
13th April 2014
This 11-year old autistic boy has plenty of energy and enjoys being active. He has a stationary exercise bike which he enjoys riding. His clinical psychologist thought it would be beneficial if the power generated from riding his bike could be used to operate some flashing disco lights, a cassette recorder and an electric train.
A mains power switch was devised to enable him to power equipment.
Cycling on his bike is now much more interesting.
13th April 2014
This thalidomide impaired lady who uses a wheelchair, wanted a barrow to transport logs from outside to the fireplace.
A wheelbarrow was purchased, of which only the body was used. A 4-wheeled chassis was constructed, and a transverse steering bar was made to attach to the barrow to enable it to be steered.
This lady is now able to transport logs from outside into the house safely and independently.
10th April 2014
To adapt the controls on a mobile hoist so that they can be operated by the foot leaving the carer with both hands free to manoeuvre his wife.
A mounting block was constructed into which the hand controller could be fitted at the base of the hoist. A swinging foot pedal carrying a light spring bears on each of the pair of control buttons allowing the hoist to be operated ‘hands free’.
‘Hands free’ operation of hoist allowing carer to manoeuvre his wife safely.
10th April 2014
The client and his wife are both thalidomide-impaired and wanted a lightweight bathboard which they could take on holiday with them.
A bathboard was designed using the principle of the old ‘camp bed’ with canvas stretched on a wooden frame.
The couple are now both able to use an overbath shower spray when abroad.
2nd April 2014
This toddler with Downs syndrome was outgrowing his cot. His mother needed somewhere he could be left safely to sleep and play. The solution should allow easy access for his mother and be quickly removable for cleaning.
A full-size bed was considered most suitable, allowing plenty of space when functioning as a playpen. Three frames of bars were made: one for the side of the bed, fastened by a wing nut; a continuation to this, serving as an access gate and hinged to the wall at the top; and one at the foot that is slotted to brackets on the wall and side frame.
The gate precludes the need for the mother to lift the child over the bars and provides access for changing. The bed can be pulled out into the room by simply lifting off the end panel and removal of a single nut will free the bed completely.
10th March 2014
This client’s specialist bath has a built-in seat, now too low for him to rise from the bath unaided. The requirement was for a raised seat, removable to allow bathing by others and held firmly against tipping by the rather abrupt movements of the client.
A commercial bath seat was obtained that fitted on the built-in one. A frame was then constructed that pivots to the lower front edge of this seat. It carries a cross-bar that prevents the upper back of the seat from rising when the extension rearwards of the frame is held under a hook mounted on the wall at the back of the bath. The seat is thus prevented from tipping or sliding forwards, whilst being readily removable.
The client can now bathe unassisted and safely.
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