DEMAND - a really inspirational organisation!

Stephen from London has various disablilities. He is taller than average, which means that any equipment bought off the shelf is not suitable for him to use comfortable. DEMAND modified his walking frame to take into account his large stature so that he could get around more easily.

Amy is a full-time nanny and looks after young children in the Macclesfield area. She has a rare muscle wasting disorder called Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome that has left her with few muscles, or in some cases no muscles at all, in her forearms, hands, lower legs and feet. She asked DEMAND to help as she found that she could not operate the side release clasps that are used on harnesses in pushchairs. We developed a gripper tool that allows Amy to operate these clasps despite her condition so that she is able to work with greater ease.

Sophie is 2 and lives in Huddersfield. She has cerebral palsy and requires supportive seating. We were approached to see if we could make a foldable supportive chair, for use when travelling, for Sophie. Made from polypropylene and a lightweight steel frame this folding chair straps onto most normal chairs and provides the supportive seating needed. This allows the parents to take their child on visits to places that were otherwise inaccessible.

Alfonso is 16 and lives in Cheadle. He has cerebral palsy and remains very independent. His Occupational Therapist contacted DEMAND to see if we could help resolve a difficult problem that they hadn’t been able to solve. Alfonso wanted to be able to drink on his own. We developed a unit, using several available devices, that would be operated by Alfonso to safely dispense a drink through a tube that was positioned by his mouth.

Jack is 1 year old and has cerebral palsy. His Occupational Therapist requested a buggy insert that would provide him with postural support and help him with his leg extension. The support is made from polypropylene plastic to provide a rigid structure and we added small thoracic supports to keep him sitting upright. To prevent the led extension we made a simple wedge. The insert provides Jack with the specialist seating he requires and is not intrusive. 

Gabby lives in Norwich and has cerebral palsy. She loves to use the computer to surf the internet and paint pictures. Unfortunately Gabby’s wheelchair tray is too small to accomodate the keyboard and joystick she uses to operate the computer. DEMAND made a tray that would fit over her existing tray that she can use specifically when she is using the computer.