Adaptive Technology & Gadgets

Posted on: Tue, Sep 29 2009 3:07 PM

Posted by: Kara Posts: 2,789

Many of us have wondered why it seems a requirement that medical equipment be so unattractive. A few designers have tried to tackle that challenge by designing wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment that is more attractive. Here's one of the latest images floating around the web and blogs today: 

What do you think?

What parts of your wheelchair, walker, crutches, braces, etc. do you like and which would you prefer got a makeover?

Posted on: Tue, Sep 29 2009 7:19 PM

Posted by: Tania Posts: 697

 I like my frame, which is a TiLite Evo frame, but I hate my wheels, which are Frank Mobility E-motions.  

Frame:

 http://www.spinlife.com/TiLite-TiLite-Evo-Rigid-Wheelchair/spec.cfm?productID=71263

Wheels:

http://www.frankmobility.com/docs/m12%20vs%20m15.pdf

(look for the photo of the M12 model on the left)

If I could start over with my chair, I would forgo power-assist/manual assist wheels because they keep getting recalled, and they just don't have the ability to go long distances (in spite of the companies' claims).  Instead, I would stick with an Evo frame and pneumatic wheels with inlays.  I like the feel of pneumatic tires, but I am so tired of having to replace tubes that pop all the time.

Posted on: Tue, Sep 29 2009 8:30 PM

Posted by: TriDog Posts: 2,800

I would guess is that it's due to cost of being attractive. Remember, Henry Ford made the automobile affordable by mass producing the exact same model on an assembly line. The wheelchair manufactures have to try to do the same.  Granted, there are differences in size and color and other assorted details.  But the style, construction and assembly will be the same in Quickie after Quickie after Quickie.   What's attractive to you, might and usually will not be attractive to the next guy or girl.  And custom sizes and paint designs cost additional monies as well.  I was just down at the vendor that took care of my chair order for a slight adjustment.  She had been to the TiLite manufacturers.  She should be pictures she took building of at TiLite chair.  Every chair is hand made.  I counted at least 10 different people that took a chair from a pile of titanium tubing to a chair with wheels.  Measuring, cutting, assembly, welding, Q/A, painting & finishing.   All these steps by different people cost money.  Unlike other manufactures where stock sizes are built in advance and just await and order. 

Attractive and custom work take many people = many dollars... 

So, you can have attractive (custom) but it will cost.

 So Like Henry always said, "you can have any color you want. As long as it's black."

BTW, I love my TiLite.  It was worth the high price and extra waiting time for the looks, quality and workmanship. 

Posted on: Wed, Sep 30 2009 12:19 PM

Posted by: Kara Posts: 2,789

I definitely agree Tri-everyone has their own preferences-especially when it comes to design. I don't so much challenge attempts to make things uniform but the failure in some cases to think at all about design.

Personally-at my age, I'm not really into colors for wheelchairs. I like them to match whatever I'm wearing so brushed titanium has been great for that. My walker (which I hardly ever use) is still very medical-looking. It's the traditional "disabled blue" with chrome trim.

The way things look is important to how we feel about using them. I'm so happy to see that kids can now choose different patterns for their braces. I still remember the days of brown leather paired with orthopedic shoes. I couldn't wait for the day until I actually got to pick my shoes!

I just wish more companies would think more about the design of products for our community.

Posted on: Wed, Sep 30 2009 1:00 PM

Posted by: TriDog Posts: 2,800

I see what your saying.  I think there's a start.  Kids cloosing their own patterns and wheelchair colors.  Also, crutches.  I've been trying to get a pair of crutches made that are one piece, for years.  As a full grown adult, I no longer need adjustable height crutches. And I can't stand that "click" "click" "click" sound that come from them.  I've got the design and just need someone to make the prototype for me.  I did find a site that sells crutches that are only 2 pieces and assorted colors.  Not too bad.  I just remove the adjusting button and spring and replace it with a nut and bolt.  Nice and quiet....   Not exactly what I want, but close.

Posted on: Wed, Sep 30 2009 1:11 PM

Posted by: Peace34050 Posts: 12

I too remember the days of ugly brown braces. Eventually my parents gave up on the whole corrective shoe options after a whille because I wouldn't wear them and my feet had pretty much stopped growing. I'm glad my students have more options. Wheelchair colors have improved a lot. I still have my hot pink one in storage but prefer my glittery black one. I have found the biggest opsticle tends to be cost and resourses. Medicare/Medicade tends to not cover a whole lot and it can be difficult for some to justify the extra expense out of pocket. I picked up a pair of tiki herdegen crutches over the internet and I love them. They are pediatric sized but I'm not very tall so they work. They are also much lighter than the walk easy ones because the upper part is lightweight plastic. I can almost run on them and because they are so light I am not having pain issues. Worth every penny on my charge card.

Posted on: Wed, Sep 30 2009 1:42 PM

Posted by: TriDog Posts: 2,800

Peace34050:

I picked up a pair of tiki herdegen crutches over the internet and I love them. They are pediatric sized but I'm not very tall so they work. They are also much lighter than the walk easy ones because the upper part is lightweight plastic.

Have you got a link to their site?  I'm curious. 

Posted on: Wed, Sep 30 2009 7:02 PM

Posted by: BMWgirl Posts: 675

I still have nightmares about using a granny walker in middle school-awful!!!  Hence, I refuse to use a walker ever ever again!  Same goes for AFO's.  I so would just use WC now.

WC's: I have three catogories, hospital-that I was in for roughly ten days after surgery..So not functional for me.  However, I was sick and being cared for the whole time so I didn't have to do anything for myself in such.. Mid sporty, and sports..Any sports chair will do  for me, any dark color is acceptable.

Love to get a tri-light buut right now, not the first priority to spend money on-not even close!