Wheelchair stick holders
Kirah is a volunteer for the Harrogate and Ripon Group of Remap helping with publicity and fundraising. A powered wheelchair user herself, Kirah had been carrying her bulky tripod-base walking sticks strapped to the rear of her wheelchair for some time, and has always needed someone to help remove them for use and re-secure them afterwards. However, Kirah wondered if her Remap colleagues could make it possible for her to manage that task herself.
The solution
Group discussions took place and ideas included collapsible sticks, an electric arm to bring them around to the side when needed, and some sort of rail system to achieve the same.
Step forward group treasurer and engineer Mike Johnson who appreciated that if carefully positioned, it might just be possible to mount the sticks on the side of the chair without increasing the overall footprint of it, and together with Kirah’s carer, tried the principle out.
Kirah and Mike are pictured with the solution which includes bespoke metal brackets and 3D printed rests/positioning pieces/latches so the sticks are always stored in a particular way.
Kirah and Mike
Detail of the walking stick holders showing that they sit within the existing footprint of the chair.
The benefit
Kirah can now manage to remove the sticks and re-secure them without help.
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