Some people with e.g. cerebral palsy are unable to use physical controllers such as buttons and joysticks but are still able to make intentional hand movements. HandShake uses a pair of BBC Micro:bits to enable triggers to be sent to switchable communication software to enable speech to be composed. A trigger is sent to the communications device when the participant moves a hand above an adjustable threshold of acceleration.
For many high-tech assistive communication (AAC) users, it is difficult to see when they are composing a message. Two examples are eye gaze users and switch users, where it may not be clear when they are actively preparing speech.
We implemented a system that visually indicates when communication software is being used. This enables a more natural interaction and encourages good communication practice; giving adequate time for composition and respecting personal space. The visual feedback reassures others in the conversation that the AAC user is actively involved.
The client has very limited movement in his arms and hands but can move his head accurately. He used to enjoy reading so to allow him to read independently again a device that let him control an e-reader with his head was needed.
The client requires eye drops every fifteen minutes but also suffers from severe arthritis and is unable to dispense these herself. To improve her independence and decrease the workload on her husband a device that allowed her to dispense the drops herself was needed.
A soulution to the recurring demand to mount equipment to wheelchairs including Wanzil trend babyy carrier, YEPP child bike seat and a solution for non-child carrying purposes using an offset socket which can be useful for other devices (for example a tray).
The lady had suffered from sepsis and, as a consequence, had lost both hands and both feet. The NHS were able to provide a wheelchair and later prosthetic legs but had little to offer in the short term to provide hand functions. We were able to provide basic implements to enable her to feed herself, brush her hair, and to write birthday cards and sign cheques.
The client uses a turning disc when transfering from his wheelchair. Normally, this would be mounted on the floor and the wheelchair footrests moved out of the way. The wheelchair footrests are fixed, so a de-mountable method of fixing the turning disc to the wheelchair is required.
A sixteen-year old girl with a wheelchair mounted ventilator system required a way to transport the equipment so that she could build her strength by walking.
The Client , a lady, had lost both hands and feet due to sepsis. A stairlift had been installed in her house but there were two small steps to be negotiated dor which she required assistance.
The Client wears a positive air pressure mask at all times. This makes it difficult for people to hear what she says.
A client has a progressive muscle weakness, that particularly affects hand grip, walking and balance. He is having trouble operating the brakes on his rollator (wheeled walker) and this makes him feel very unsafe.
Child-sized portable voice amplifier for a child with a very soft voice
The client required a light weight tray for her wheelchair for use when out and about.
Client with short arms requires an adjustable bracket for the controller of her wheelchair to make it easier to reach and to move out of the way when not needed.
A mother of a disabled child wishes to take her out in her special disabled buggy with her younger child in a standard buggy. A bracket was made to clip the two buggies together
A special needs school required book stands for its pupils, but found that those from the preferred school supplier too expensive. Modifying “Brada” laptop stands from IKEA proved much more cost effective.
