A few years ago, Leon watched a family member having fun with a high-speed remote control model car and wanted to have a go!
However, Leon has damage to his spinal cord, which results in paralysis from the chest down and whilst he can move his arms, he has little or no control over his fingers. This means that Leon cannot use any of the standard types of remote control supplied with model cars. So, to achieve his dream, it was clear that a bespoke controller would be needed.
Leon reached out directly to REMAP for help. Volunteers in our Cleveland branch custom-designed a remote control with large switches that Leon can operate with the palm of his hand and a T-bar joystick similar to his wheelchair controls.
After many prototypes, they mounted the finished model onto a wooden tray that could be placed on Leon’s lap, and handed this over to Leon to do some final testing. He was delighted with the result – at last he can take control of the car himself and race his friends and family!
Could an adaptation a make a difference for you or someone you know? Get in touch.
Making Talia Smile
17th December 2024
Clair reached out to REMAP on behalf of her daughter, Talia, as Talia couldn’t enjoy the park like other children.
Talia is a happy little girl who says it all with her expression and her smiles. She is also a wheelchair user.
Clair said: “There aren’t any parks near us where she could use any of the equipment as she has to be hoisted into everything due to a spinal operation. So, it would be amazing for her to experience some park-like fun.”
REMAP stepped in and engineers, Paul and Frank, custom-made Talia this rocker that her wheelchair can fit into, so she can enjoy the fun of the park without having to transfer in her hoist.
Clair, says: “We are so grateful for all the help, time and effort Paul and Frank put into this rocker. They were a pleasure to meet and made our little girl so happy. We couldn’t thank this charity and them enough for making our girl smile.
“She absolutely loves the rocker and it is just amazing she can experience what other children do.”
Would your child benefit from a custom solution like Talia’s? Get in touch.
Paul’s Fishing Rod Adaptation
1st October 2024
Two years ago, Paul suffered a severe stroke that significantly changed his life. Before the stroke, fishing was his greatest passion, but he hadn’t been able to cast a line since.
The stroke left him with major communication difficulties, severe weakness in his right leg, and no use of his right arm. He now uses a manual wheelchair inside his home and a powerchair when outdoors.
For over a year, Paul’s Stroke Recovery Coordinator had been searching for adaptive fishing equipment that could allow Paul to return to his favourite hobby. However, finding a suitable solution in the UK proved impossible. Paul had tried a standard rod holder typically used on boats, but it didn’t attach to his chair correctly.
Paul needed a fishing rod holder that would attach to his chair between his legs, as well as something to allow him to cast off and reel in one-handed. His wife also had concerns about the stability of his powerchair, especially when Paul leaned back to cast or reel in, as the chair was designed to be light enough for her to lift into the car.
Paul’s Stroke Recovery Coordinator reached out to REMAP and Paul was paired with Danny Rees, an engineer from REMAP’s Cleveland branch. Danny worked closely with Paul to understand his needs and his wife’s concerns, designing a custom fishing rod holder that was both stable and functional.
After two years of searching and waiting, Paul now has a solution that allows him to return to the water and enjoy fishing once again.
Would custom equipment help you reconnect with a sport or hobby? Get in touch.
