A branch of the charity group RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) needed a custom built platform with steps to enable riders to mount their horses. It had to be light enough to be moved easily, but big and strong enough for three people — the rider and two helpers — to stand on the top step. The steps had to have painted edges for the visually impaired, and the platform had to be weatherproof. Following some ingenious carpentry by Remap volunteers, the riders were able to mount their horses in safety.
Tag: Activities
Camera mount for wheelchair
A keen photographer was left paralysed on his left side following a stroke. Now dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, he could not hold or operate his camera successfully. We adapted his wheelchair to receive a camera mount, which allowed him to use his camera with one hand and continue his passion for photography.
Single-handed bicycle brakes
An eight-year-old boy, born with no fingers on his right hand, can ride a bicycle without problems – right up to the point when he needs to apply both brakes at once! Remap engineers designed and fitted this “balance bar” that lets him activate both brakes from a single lever.
Wheelchair trailer attachment for twins
Tim is a father with paralysed legs who looks after his 18-month-old twins on his own during the day. Frustrated that he could only take the twins out in his car, rather than to the park or along local footpaths, he bought a bicycle trailer to be towed using his powered wheelchair.
However, the trailer tow bar was designed to attach to one side of the rear wheel of the bike and was curved to allow a bike to turn freely. To fit the trailer to the wheelchair required a straight pivoting tow bar, which is where Remap came in. We designed and fitted an “upside down” tow hitch at the back of the wheelchair using a quick-release axle pin to lock the tow bar in position. Tim positions his wheelchair so that the trailer tow bar is on his right side, and then has to manoeuvre the tow bar into the socket behind him, which he cannot see. To make this task easier, a golf ball is used as a handle because it is quite tactile and gives good control over the tow bar. Having attached the trailer by feel, Tim clips on a safety strap and away they all go!
Book/tablet support
Ex-Remap volunteer John Harding developed Parkinson’s disease, which made it difficult for him to hold a book or tablet PC steady while sitting up in bed. Undeterred, he built this book/tablet support himself, and has kindly shared the design with us and offered his help in case we need to build one for anyone else. So, if you know someone who needs such a device, please get in touch!
Wheelchair steps
We were referred to this gentleman, a double leg amputee, by an occupational therapist at Wycombe Hospital. Initially our task was to install an access ramp. While we were there, the client mentioned that he was keen on floor exercises, but needed help to move unaided from his wheelchair to the floor and back. Remap designed these steps and arm rests to enable him to do this.
John's Site 