Archive for January, 2017

Technical Aids for Quadriplegics Part XIII

Thursday, January 12th, 2017

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We Quadriplegics (Teddys) Love Tootpaste Tubes!

Every morning starts with the spirited bite into the screw cap.

As long as the tube is still full you can manage to get something out most of the time, even without finger function. However, at some point you don’t need coffee anymore for breakfast because proportional to the decreasing amount of toothpaste left in the tube the blood pressure rises.

You all know those plastic clips for sealing bags (see older post).a>

Now with this clip I can get a pretty good grip of the tube.

After removing the screw cap from the tube place it on the sink and squeeze it with one hand.

No need to empty the tube at once ;-) .

Translator BW

Technical Aids Tips and Tricks LVI

Thursday, January 5th, 2017

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Wie HOW DO I (WITHOUT FINGER FUNCTION) PREVENT MY SMART PHONE FROM FALLING DOWN?

I never go anywhere without my smart phone, not even in my own apartment.

What could really happen there?

t happened a few years ago in my office that I rolled over a 220 Volt extension cord and got caught in it. The cable got wrapped around the wheels and I could not move forth or back. I was only a few centimeters away from both my phones, mobile and landline. I felt like a ship that ran aground! It took me about 2 hours to free myself. Waiting for the “flood” might have helped I.
Since I am not able to pick up a phone from the floor I should certainly avoid letting it fall.

When sitting in my wheelchair I always have a smart phone on a key chain around my neck. A few times I did have to dial 911.

We punched two holes in the cell phone case, one to attach the key chain and the other one to insert my index finger for support because I cannot entirely hold the phone on my own.

You all know those smart phone pockets, the ones that joggers wrap around their upper arms.

Take such a pouch and shorten the sling so it fits around your forearm.

Now you can operate your smart phone with the other hand without the risk of it falling to the floor.

Translator BW

Technical Aids Tips and Tricks XXV

Monday, January 2nd, 2017

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Wheelchair auxiliary snow chains

A creative Berliner

has mounted tie-wraps to his bicycle tyre so that he can better ride on snow and ice.

Self-made tie-wrap wheelchair snow chains

This probably works with wheelchair tyres as well.

He also rides on Schwalbe Marathon tyres, like most of the wheelers.

Have a look yourself, ingeniously simple and cost-efficient!

Link: Video at Spiegel-Online

Just try it out and write a comment.

In Frankfurt there is no snow anymore, so I can’t test it!

Thanks to Hajo for the info.

However, I wouldn’t ride across the parquet floor any more. :-)

Read this old blogpost and exchange in winter right and left wheelchair tyre if necessary:

Link: Running direction of “Schwalbe” tyres

I assume no liability for this tip!

Translator BL


Sunday, January 1st, 2017

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It’s all a question of hardware…!!!

Today I was on tour with my Minitrac (see older blogposts) for the first time in the snow.

With its tractor tyres it is a perfect technical aid.

Translator BL