Steps for young adult with Morquio syndrome
Remap Essex West were approached to provide a set of steps to enable the young adult Client with Morquio Syndrome to use the toilet facilities unaided at a training centre. Previously his mother had to attend every day to help with toilet usage. For various reasons, the staff were not able to lift the Client.
This device would need to:
– Consist of three steps, each step no greater than 10 cm
– Bilateral rails; no wider than 30 cm to accommodate his reach
– Have an attachable toilet roll holder, as the student was unable to reach the wall attached dispenser
– Have adequate brakes/nonslip base
– Nonslip flooring on steps to maximise safety
– Be made of a durable, clean wipe material
– Be stored in the space next to the toilet, not to impact other users of the space.
– Be of reasonable weight to enable staff/mother to position the device into place
– Be able to accommodate the student to stand at the sink to wash his hands after toileting
The Challenge
Remap Essex West were approached to provide a set of steps to enable the young adult Client with Morquio Syndrome to use the toilet facilities unaided at a training centre. Previously his mother had to attend every day to help with toilet usage. For various reasons, the staff were not able to lift the Client.
The solution
The client needed a bespoke set of steps with very particular requirements . Special thanks to our engineer Howard Caroline who went above and beyond to complete these particular set of tasks and put all efforts in, drafting several sketches and visited the school several times to test the solution.
As with any project, the design evolved to meet the changing requirements.
Features to note:
- handrails were provided on both sides as the Client has difficulty using steps
- the rise of each step was initially set at 90mm, but will now be reduced to 80mm
- the pitch of the steps were set at 30 degrees
- The risers were closed to reduce the risk of them being a tripping hazard
- The stringers were closed to enable the step heights to be altered, either for this Client or any different users in the future
- The plywood was coated with varnish to generally aid cleaning
- Non-slip paint was used in the central section of each tread and landing, the edges were kept clear to aid cleaning in the corners
- Locking castors were used to allow the stairs to be moved easily for the benefit of other disabled users in the centre and hopefully allow the Client to move the steps unaided
- The castors were located outside the plan area of the stairs to aid stability
- The handrails project in front of the first step in accordance with good practice
- A top landing was provided so the Client is able to turn around. The landing also provides better access to the sink
The benefit
Customer can lead a more independent life whilst at school.
- Skills involved:
- Issues Addresses:
- Activities Helped:
- Location:
- Solution:
