DEMAND Design & Manufacture for Disability
Helping disabled people live life their way with custom made equipment
]Tadius is a confident 6 year old who has been a paraplegic since birth. His DEMAND made-to-measure steps enable him to get in and out of his wheelchair on his own. The ergonomic handrails also help and encourage Tadius to develop the strength in his arms.
“Amber was diagnosed with developmental delay, low muscle tone and hypermobility. As a result, we needed to work on improving the strength in her muscles and give her the confi dence to walk. Amber loved moving around in her car walker, but it gave her far too much support and enabled her to sit down whilst moving.
DEMAND skillfully modified her car with a padded insert for a snug fit and a bar to hold on to for added security, all of which encourage her to stand up to move around. She is slowly gaining confidence and strength in her legs and is able to continue using her much loved toy whilst learning to walk.” – Amber’s Mum Rebecca
“Lisa’s physical disabilities present her with a number of challenges in day to day life; nevertheless Lisa leads a full and active life with a wonderful support network. Having tried a number of transfer methods, Lisa and I chose a rotunda stand which we hoped would negate the need to start hoisting. Unfortunately, due to Lisa’s hip and knee position when standing, the standard knee pad did not provide adequate support and posed a potential increased risk of falls while in use.
DEMAND were able to design and build a bespoke knee pad tailored specifically for Lisa which promoted good posture enabling Lisa to maintain a strong standing position. This perceivably small adaptation has made a huge impact to Lisa’s quality of life and those that support her.” – Stuart, Lisa’s occupational therapist
Jasmin had an unsuitable tray on her standing frame, and as a result was unable to fully participate at school. Now, with a properly fitting work tray made by our team she is able to engage in classroom activities, whilst being safely and securely supported.
A brain injury left Marie unable to walk unaided. With a baby on the way, she was worried that she would not be able to take her baby out and about easily. Her walking frame, adapted by our team to attach securely and detach easily from her buggy, means Marie is now able to take her newborn out for walks and enjoy being a proud new Mum.
“Mark, a resident of Scope’s Birchwood care home in Chesham, has Cerebral Palsy. Hugely determined and big-hearted, Mark is an accomplished artist, fundraiser and Boccia player. In the early days Mark used a length of drainpipe to guide his Boccia balls during play. Since his interest and skills in the sport have developed, he now uses one of DEMAND’s range of purpose designed ramps, which gives him much greater control and precision.
DEMAND’s Boccia ramp has been an important factor in his success in competitions and in January he achieved a bronze medal for his district – his best result ever. He is now eligible to play in the National Championship!” – Stuart, Mark’s friend
Chelsea has Cerebral Palsy and needs to use a walking frame for support. Unfortunately, her frame did not provide an adequate level of support that would encourage and facilitate walking.
Our team designed and fitted a headrest and cross body support which enables Chelsea to properly benefit from her muscle therapy and to be included in other activities with her family and friends. Our practical solutions, developed under the guidance of qualified health professionals, tackle much more than frustrations with the equipment; influencing the children’s sense of self, their confidence and wellbeing.
Chris had outgrown his favourite walking frame which was too unsteady for him to use safely.
Extended and strengthened by our team, Chris’s walking frame is now safer and much more comfortable and has transformed the way he is able to move around independently.
“Diane loves to read, but can no longer enjoy this simple pleasure as her Multiple Sclerosis prevents her from using her hands effectively. A friend suggested a Kindle Touch but Diane had difficulty operating that too, and was frustrated at having to rely on others to constantly assist.
As the activities organiser at Diane’s home, I knew of DEMAND and what they can do. After testing several ideas with Diane they made a cradle for the Kindle to sit in and fitted a switch and a button for Diane to press to turn the page. It is beautifully made and mounted on a small tripod and is a great success. It was a pleasure to meet the team from DEMAND who were so patient and understanding of Diane’s needs.”
“Diane is managing well and can now enjoy her books independently” Lynn, activities organiser at Diane’s home
Freya wanted to be able to transfer from her wheelchair to bed safely, independently and without a hoist. We built a custom platform that allows her to manoeuvre close to her bed, to park her wheelchair securely, and to transfer from her chair to her bed without extra assistance. This seemingly simple task is hugely frustrating for many wheelchair users. Freya’s transfer platform has been truly liberating.