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Cerebral palsy stops no one

This little girl had grown out of her sticks and the next size up are way too bulky. She also struggled to keep the sticks in alignment due to her arm posture. Dave helped by raising the existing stick heights and providing optional handle angles. She can now continue to progress her walking and not catch her feet on the stick bases.

Thanks Dave!

The Kemp Family from Dursley

Jones Family from Gloucester

Ryan has Autism and found difficulty hanging on to the grown-up kids swings in the park. As he had grown out of using the childrens' safety swing. Gloucester remap came to his rescue and built a safety seat that could be hooked on to the swing chains. The design was based on a project by the Remap Derby panel.

The family and Ryan were so pleased with the solution, it put a huge grin on Ryan's face...

So much so that they created a special thank-you card, which they sent to Peter...

"To Peter
Thank you for all your time and effort in making Ryan's Swing, we all love it so much
Thank you for putting a big smile on our son's face, we really appreciate it.

Love
The Jone's Family"

Keith from Cheltenham

For many years I have been involved in several different disabled sports from sailing to powered wheelchair football, and now Boccia!
When I was at secondary school I played  Boccia competitively and attended a couple of international tournaments.

I recently moved into a care home where they played Boccia and I have always had an idea on my own ramp design I wanted to get built. The problem I discovered with all of the other ramp on the market is that they are almost all identical in design which I wanted to get away from.

I have always wanted to get this design of ramp made and contacted remap Gloucestershire to see if they would be able to manufacture this ramp.
I was assigned an engineer Peter and together we put our heads together and came up with this design!  I think it came out pretty stellar!

My goal is to get into some regional and national competitions in the future and possibly end up at the Paralympics some day! 

Thanks remap Gloucestershire and Peter for an excellent service

Keith Harris

Music for Memories - Charity

Music for Memories is very grateful to Terry Tomlin from REMAP for the adapted switch he has fitted to 40 of our memory player headsets. This will be a great help to those who might struggle with the present rather small on/off switch. It has been a pleasure to liaise with Terry and we are delighted with the end result. Terry arranged for a local engineering firm to produce the 3D printed switches and then Terry and Glynis undertook the painstaking work of fitting the switches to the headsets. This has been a wonderful example of what partnership can achieve and we have really benefited from Terry's knowledge and experience. Thank you to Terry, Glynis, the engineering company and REMAP.

Richard Graham - MP for Gloucester

Recently Richard Graham, our local MP found the time to come to our monthly meeting. After the meeting he had the following to say about the meeting...

 

One of the things I love best about our city is finding remarkable things being done that never reach the headlines.

Recently I went to a meeting in Hucclecote of Remap Gloucestershire. It's a local charity of some 40 retired engineers around the county who make things to help people with disabilities live more easily and more independently.

I learnt about the dancing wheelchair that Martin and Tom had made for students at the National Star College, improving on a US prototype. That won a national Remap award, but most importantly it has brought great joy to several permanent wheelchair users.

Terry explained about a telescope socket head made for a paralympic archer to access easily, so the archer could see more easily where his arrows were landing. The archer (also Terry) went on to win a gold medal for GB not long afterwards.

Someone else had made an easy to attach clamp for a walking stick to hook onto a table - avoiding that situation we've all seen where the stick falls off and the user can't pick it up.

And I loved the switch added to the headphones that means a woman with dementia can easily switch on her playlist of favourite music. All of us who've had family members suffering from dementia know their joy listening to favourite music..

And so on - I saw several solutions made from the over a hundred projects every year that each individually changes a life.

The challenges are usually referred by therapists from the Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

Quietly these retired engineers are putting skills learnt over a lifetime to good use for people who need help.

They're always open to new joiners, or new challenges - and the best way to contact Remap on either is through John Fox on 01451 861432 or through the 'contact us' section on their website below

https://www.remapglos.org.uk/

Thank you John, Terry, Martin and many others at Remap Glos for showing me a side to our city and county that very few know about.

I found the stories of what this charity does very moving, and at a time when gloom and doom dominates far too much Remap is a gentle reminder of what is good about our city, county and country.

Richard Graham - MP for Gloucester

John from Gloucester

Milestone School, Gloucester

Sam the teacher of Purple class at Milestone special school needed things that stimulated the children's vestibular sense - their sense of movement. He had discovered that many children prefer to engage with this by spinning - they did not feel dizzy, and this type of fast, circular motion really helped them to 'centre' and feel 'grounded'.

'We are so grateful to Peter, and REMAP, for our spinners.  Having two spinners has allowed us to do more to help the children than ever before.  Not only are we able to provide the regulation support the children require, but being low and close to the children allows us to engage with them through eye contact and smiles, supporting engagement and relationship building, and simple phrases like “ready…steady…” encourages children to respond with a look, a smile, or even a “go” as they begin to develop language skills through such activities too.

Thank you, Peter, on behalf of the children in Purple class this year, and many years into the future.'

Milestone School, Gloucester

Many of our children are really into transporting 'things that move things', so a bulldozer and helicopter, both built by Ron Aston, are ideal! Having something that the children can clamber up, over and on is great for their physical development and practising taking risks. Many of the children love to sit in the cab or cockpit, learning to share space and take turns to drive, and they have huge smiles as they imagine driving down a bumpy track or flying somewhere!

Our children often do not know their own strength, and we often joke about our children being involved in the R&D process (wreck and Destroy!) so our facilities need to be tough and hardwearing, and this really fits the brief.

It's a fantastic resource that will give many years of joy to our children - thanks Remap.

Lucinda from Tetbury

Mel - Physiotherapist from Gloucester

Hi

Please could you share this with Bryan for me too.

I wanted to let you know that I saw Mr A with his walking frame; the handle height is perfect and I'm not an Everton supporter but I'm told the colour is spot on. It looks great with the stickers on!!

He is now walking in a much more up-right position that will help to prevent deterioration of his spine and the walker you've adapted is more robust that the blue one his family found for him and so he is less likely to fall again outside.

I am so grateful for your speedy turn-around and you've made a huge difference for this gentleman, thank you so much for the work you do.

 Best wishes,

 Mel

John From Dursley

Hi.

Tom Bradley has been helping our daughter, who had a Brain Stem Stroke, in Nov 2019, which left her paralysed, from the neck down, unable to speak, eat or drink.

She is, fortunately, 100% cognitive and uses a Spelling board, to communicate, plus can email and control her TV using a special tablet, with an Eye Gaze camera, and a head button..

Bex has shown signs of activity in her toes and, more recently, in fingers.  Tom has been with us, since she moved to The Dean, in Gloucester, and has manufactured a sensor switch, which lets Bex know when she is moving a finger/toe.  This makes it more productive, when Bex is practicing her movements, as she knows, for definite, it is working.

Tom has also created a head switch, which can be linked to her Tablet, to give her access to controls when she is not in her chair or bed or if there are any problems with her head buttons.

He is, currently, designing an infrared sensor, which will detect when Bex has moved too far, from her head buttons, and is unable to call for help from staff.  This has been a real problem when Bex has a spasm then cannot touch her button.

We would like you to post this story, on your website, and any other media location that will advertise your brilliant work as a charity.

Many thanks Tom, and all the other staff who make this Charity work, for your dedication, and imaginations, in solving so may different issues for disabled people.

Kind regards,

John

Alaire from Cheltenham

Hello Peter

Thank you so much for making the platform so beautifully and so fast. As you can see from the attached it enables me to guide the material through whilst doing other things with the right hand. It has given me back the chance to return to my love of machine sewing, and hopefully I can complete a few projects which I had no chance of doing before your help.

Thank you so much

Liz from Cheltenham

"Hello John,
I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful cases you designed and made for Max's recorders. I saw them today when Max came over for a visit.
They're just perfect.
Thanks again
Liz"

Allsorts Charity - Stroud

I just wanted to pass on a message to Jim Quinn to say a big thank you for repairing the magnetic picture maker for the Toy Library. You did a great job! I'm sorry I wasn't in the office the day you dropped it off. We have since discovered that some of the little coloured magnetic discs are missing, which is surprising, as I thought it was a sealed unit. They must have escaped some where along the line. We have had the toy a little while.

Anyway, very many thanks for helping us once again. I'm really grateful!

Best wishes, Clare Garratt -  Toy Library Co-ordinator

Anne from Churchdown

"Dear Remap.

I wish you to know how grateful we are that your Remap worker Peter has been able to help my husband, a new double amputee return to playing his accordion.

My husband has made great strides in becoming independent and returning to his first love, gardening. He also wanted to return to playing the piano accordion but found that it pressed heavily on his stumps. We searched the market but nothing suited him as he is a lopsided double amputee. I then asked Remap about someone making an accordion stand for him. so I’m thrilled Peter resolved the problem. He now is able to continue to keep his independence. Thank you Peter.

Yours 

Anne"

Joanna from Churchdown

"Dear Peter,
Many thanks for the wonderful table, suspending stick and mirror book-stand which you’ve made for Chloe to use whilst in her wheelchair.
They have made a really positive difference for both of us and have been much used already. They are beautifully made and I am very grateful to you for all the time you’ve spent refining them to Chloe’s particular requirements!

With best wishes to you and REMAP"

DB from Gloucester

"I am 80, disabled, have Osteogenisis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones), and I was having greatest difficulty in applying a fairly solid cream to my back for skin problems; I also found handle of what I use in shower very slippery. All solved now thanks to Charles Dobbin. I did make use of his services several years back when I lived in Bourton and he was so helpful then. Will be sending a donation to REMAP."

Mark

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter Vielvoye, Adam Scott and the local Remap branch for all their help in designing, sourcing of materials and building such a great throwing stool for my son Gareth.

This is Gareth's first throwing stool so we were not sure what to expect as he was used to throwing from his wheelchair. Peter took time to discuss Gareth's needs and expectations and also spent additional time researching the recent changes in the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) rules. Eventually we agreed on a design which was both practical and functional.

The stool design is essentially very simple and robust. It allows Gareth to be strapped onto it in various positions (depending on which throw he is doing, Javelin, Discus or shot) and can easily be fixed in position. The flat base allows the weight to be spread evenly, making it stable on both concrete and grass throwing circles. This is a particular problem with stools with feet which can sink into soft ground. The large loops on the corners allow for the different tie down systems to be employed at various events. The wheels are invaluable when transporting it across athletic fields and car parks.

Having looked at many other designs of stools at different competitions I can honestly say that its design and all round robustness proves the old adage that the simpler the design the better. Several competitors and officials have praised it for design and practicality. Officials like it because it is easy for them set up and to make sure the throws are legal within the rules. Competitors appreciate the practicality of use, movability and the finish which can take bashing and scratching without it looking scruffy.

So how has it helped Gareth? Over the summer season of 2014, he threw new personal bests in every event adding between 2 meters and 5 meters to his previous bests throwing from his wheelchair. This culminated in his selection to represent the South West at the School Games in Manchester where the best young athletes from around the country compete against each other over a 3 day multi sports event. With help from his throwing stool he achieved 2 Golds from the 2 events he took part in. Gareth is now training hard for next season and looking to achieve event better results."

The following addition to this testimonial was sent in by Gareth....

"I am a 14 year old F56 para-athlete who has Spinabifida. My disability means I am unable to stand or walk and therefore use a wheelchair. My throwing events (discus, javelin,shot) are seated events.

To enable me to compete competitively in my sport, I needed a throwing frame which meets the newly revised International Paralympic Committee (IPC) rules. The rules try to make it fair for all disabled throwers who cannot stand so that they can compete against each other. The rules are very strict as to the dimensions that frames must be and therefore it was important that Adam’s design complied completely with these rules. The frames are measured and tested before every event and if found not to comply, the athlete is disqualified.

As well as complying with the rules it is also very important that the frame is both very strong yet portable. Moving equipment across an athletics field whilst using a wheelchair can be very hard, as can having the space in the car to transport it. Lastly the frame needed to be safe enough for me to use without falling off, either when mounting it or once I am seated on it.

Adam worked with Peter from Remap, me and my Dad to design and build a frame which would meet all the different requirements. He prepared several designs and helped build a prototype which I tested several times before finalising the design.

The final frame has exceeded all my expectations. The design allows me to use it not only on a proper concrete throwing circle but also on wet ground because the base spreads the frame and my weight evenly. This is very important as much of my training is on grass and in all weather conditions. The frame is always stable when fixed to the tie-down straps and gives me a strong ridged seat to sit on. This stability means that the maximum amount of my energy I use when throwing, is concentrated into my throw and not lost due to movement of the frame. Even the sitting cushion does not absorb much of the energy as it is extremely ridged (but also comfortable enough to sit on).

This design also allows me to adjust my sitting position and the foot rests can be moved if I grow and need them lowering. The vertical hand grip provides me with addition support when throwing the javelin and shot, but can easily be removed when throwing the discus.

I would like to thank Adam (and Peter) for all their time and patience when making my throwing stool as it has been very much appreciated. The best way I can repay them is to use the stool to do well in all the competitions that I will enter during this summer."

Gareth, Year 10 (aged 14)

Dave from Slimbridge

"I must really thank Remap and all its members, in particular Mike Dunning and Dave Woodward for the efforts they put in to modify my walker/sitter. The resultant modifications have been a great success and were of much interest to both the Neurological team I see at Oxford and to the Gloucestershire Neurological physiotherapist (It surprises me that no-one has done this before)"

JH from Lower Apperley

"I wanted to write to thank Charles Dobbin very much for the amazing chair he made my daughter last week. He suggested I email you with some photos.

She is 17 months old and she has a devastating degenerative mitochondrial disease. She developed normally until she was 8 months, then began to lose the ability to do things she once could, like sit up, eat, and roll over. Life has been really tough for her since then, and she now is very floppy, has daily seizures, has lost her vision, and saddest of all doesn't smile any more. I have always carried her around in a baby sling, and she's always adored being outside, visiting my horses and being in the fresh air. Because her tone is so weak now she can't go in the sling any more, and she now sleeps for 23 hours of the day. I couldn't find anything that was supportive enough for her to sit in, to be in the garden, or just in the sitting room with me. It was so sad seeing her in her cot all day long. Charles very kindly made a little chair on wheels, into which fits a beanbag that I had, that she enjoyed sitting in. Having only had it for 2 days, she has already used it a lot, been in the garden in it, and slept next to me in the sitting room. I am eternally grateful to Charles and to Remap for giving me this quality time with my precious little girl."

Because of the urgency of this case, Charles started work immediately the referral was received and delivered the completed special chair on wheels within 25 hours of the original referral!

Anon

"Can you pass on my sincere thanks to REMAP for their input it was invaluable and very helpful to determine the best way forward for "A", and to consider all the options open to us."

Ray from Gloucester

This article was originally published in 'This is Gloucestershire' and on-line blog in association with 'The Gloucestershire Citizen'

Glorious Glosters' veteran Ray Peart has made history by becoming Britain's first blind bingo caller. Using a specially modified bingo machine, last night Ray gave his sighted audience the traditional cry of "eyes down, look in" for the first time at Gloucester's RAOB Club. Now the 60-year-old former corporal from Abbeydale, Gloucester, who lost his sight in a terrorist explosion in Belfast in 1973, has started a weekly spot at the Southgate Street club.

He said: "I was going to the bingo with my wife Claire and just sat there doing nothing or listening to a talking book. After going to the RAOB for the bingo, I said to Claire 'I could do that if I can get someone to get that machine to speak to me'." 

Ray contacted the Royal National Institute for the Blind, which put him in touch with Remap, a national charity devoted to finding practical solutions to everyday problems for the disabled. The charity prides itself on opening doorways for disabled people by filling the gaps where no commercial products are available. 

"I spoke to them and they said they could have a go. They said they didn't think it had ever been done before," said Ray. "They took the bingo machine away a few times and had it done easily within a couple of months."

Electronics engineer Steve Drinkwater, of Charfield, who volunteers with REMAP, fitted a speech synthesiser box to the random number generator used for bingo sessions. It reads the numbers aloud to Ray, who can then call them out over the club's speakers.

"It's fantastic, absolutely marvellous," said Ray. "My catchphrase can be 'eyes down, look in' and I'm coming up with all my own phrases to go with the numbers, like 'two and eight, the Gloucester Regiment." 

The Glosters were originally known as the 28th Foot (North Gloucestershire). Ray will call the bingo numbers at the RAOB Club in Southgate Street every Sunday at 8.30pm.

Mrs G from Saul

“Now I don't have to bend down any more.”

Mrs G was finding It difficult to bend down and remove the ashes from her coal fire so Jim Quinn and Ron Crumpler invented a one foot high frame to make the job easier. The frame latches into the ashes tray under the fire and she can then use it to take the ashes outside for disposal.

"Someone from the council came to see me and I mentioned I was having problems with the tray, and they told me they knew of Remap and said they might be able to help.

I suffer from arthritis and high blood pressure so was a bit worried about taking it out, I'm not always steady on my feet and the tray Is heavy and full of hot ashes.

To make it easier I was taking it out to the bin twice a day but what frightened me was if I were to drop any ashes on the carpet or trip and fall.

Jim Quinn came out to have a look at it and said he was going to discuss it with the others and together they came up with the gadget. It's made such a big difference to me, it's such a useful thing to have because now I don't have to bend down any more and the tray's much easier to lift.

I was really pleased with it and I'd definitely recommend them to anyone else with similar problems."

Mrs G

Dear Joan,

Please pass on mine and Mrs. Gs' thanks to Jim Quinn, who has solved the "leg falling out of bed problem" and who we think is 'marvelous'.

Jim solved the problem efficiently and practically and was extremely pleasant.

Thank you,

Yours sincerely 

Stella Lovett

Deputy Team Manager - Occupational Therapy