The People Making Things Possible – Teiba Ahmed

As part of Volunteers’ Week 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible people who make REMAP’s work possible.

Teiba Ahmed is an exceptionally dedicated volunteer engineer who supports two REMAP branches – Hertfordshire North and Essex West. By applying her engineering expertise to create bespoke solutions for disabled people, she helps clients overcome challenges and achieve greater independence.

We spoke to Teiba about what inspired her to volunteer, the impact she’s seen firsthand, and why she would encourage others to get involved:

I volunteer as an engineer, supporting cases where clients need bespoke adaptations to everyday equipment. I typically visit clients in my local area to understand the challenges they face and work closely with them to find a bespoke solution that meets their individual needs. From there, I develop practical designs and build or modify equipment to improve their independence and quality of life. No two cases are ever the same!

I first got involved by supporting REMAP engineers at my workplace before officially signing up. I was drawn to it because it offers a unique opportunity to apply engineering skills directly for social good. The idea of creating something tangible that makes a real difference to someone’s day-to-day life was a big motivator for me.

I enjoy involving colleagues where possible, getting their input on designs and gradually encouraging others to get involved in REMAP too.

Volunteering with REMAP has strengthened my engineering skills – particularly in understanding user needs and translating them into practical solutions. Each case presents a new and often unfamiliar challenge, which has really developed my problem-solving ability. I often bring this learning back into my role, particularly in medical device development where human factors and usability are critical.

One client that particularly stands out to me is a wheelchair user who wanted to be able to independently move alongside and care for his newborn child. While still in development, we’ve been working on a bespoke wheelchair attachment that would allow him to safely and comfortably push a buggy while maintaining full control of his manual wheelchair. His story truly inspired me. Working on a solution that could improve both confidence and independence in such a meaningful way has already been incredibly rewarding, and it’s amazing to be part of that process.

What stands out most is how these seemingly small adaptations can make such a significant difference to people’s independence, confidence, and quality of life. One of my favourite aspects of working on REMAP cases is getting to know clients and creating solutions that are genuinely tailored to their individual needs. Feedback from clients and their families is always a strong reminder of why this work matters.

I would absolutely recommend being a REMAP volunteer to others. It’s a brilliant opportunity to use your skills in a meaningful way while also developing as an engineer. You’re exposed to real-world problems that don’t have textbook solutions, which pushes you to think creatively and practically. It’s also flexible, and cases are typically local, making it easier to fit around work and other commitments.

Inspired by Teiba’s story? Join our volunteer community and help us continue making things possible.