Reduced dexterity

One-handed Window Opener

A lady with the use of only one hand wished to be able to open her windows. A design was required that was both light weight and required a minimum turning force.

Urine bottle night time emptying

A simple tube fitted to a urine bottle to empty it into a larger container

A bespoke tray to fit to a Rascal Rio indoor wheelchair and assist the client with moving meals from her kitchen. The project also required a change to the programming of the chair speed controller to make it more suitable for the tight turns in the house – and this was undertaken by a dealer.

Electric bed custom hand controller

This project provided a custom replacement for the client’s electric powered bed hand control. It was delivered in two stages, the first version incorporated an existing controller into a 3D printed case and certainly worked and, although it was not optimal, it did give the client the chance to better consider the best design for his needs. The second version was designed based on his feedback and just used standard micro-switches inside.

Wheelchair joystick with tennis ball DSCF8127 LR-4442088a

Wheelchair joystick knob

The client’s arthritis makes it painful to grasp the small knob on her wheelchair joystick. A larger, more comfortable one was added.

Shaving aid remake

The client has some limited hand control and has been using a Smith and Nephew Roylan Inc. “TURN-ROUND” device with an integrated safety razor that allowed him to shave independently. This device is about 20 years old and some of it is disintegrating but, worse, the blades for the razor are no longer available which would make the device redundant. He came to Remap to see if we could replace it and incorporate a modern razor as he had failed to find anything similar or suitable anywhere.

Upper Limb Rehabilitation Aids

Aids to rehabilitation of upper limb function for intensive care patients.
Therapy, Activities, Skills and Kinesiology (TASK) Boards for University Hospital Southampton

Fly-by-wire kids tractor

Like most small boys Theo loves tractors, but when you are born with really short arms it makes steering a challenge. So Gerry, a fellow volunteer from the York panel, and I set about creating a safe fly-by-wire push along tractor to make the 20-month old lad very happy.

Drag brakes for rollator

The client had difficulty controlling her rollator on sloping ground where it tended to run away with her because she did not have the strength to apply the brakes for extended periods. A light weight rollator with drag brakes was bought and modified to allow the drag brakes to be operated without having to bend down.

Arm support

Client has Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome and her weak arms cause difficulty with lifting them above waist height, and so has trouble with doing makeup, hair-drying, hair straightening, etc. A simple padded wooden stand supports her elbows.

One-handed food preparation

The client had a major stroke and lost use of her left hand but still lives independently and wished to be able to prepare fruit and vegetables, specifically melon. A worktop-mounted vice, operated by leaning forward, allows food to be held while being prepared.

Aids to use for upper limb function for cancer patients.

Cancer patients with metastatic spinal cord compression and who are largely bed bound, require simple exercises to maintain upper body actions. Two boards were constructed that could be mounted on over bed or conventional tables, and each contained a separate range of activities. Care was taken to ensure the activities and boards were safe and could be easily cleaned. Several features are the same as Project SO29/19.