Remap’s ingenious volunteers are well known for creative solutions to everyday challenges and the charity’s recently announced annual awards ceremony demonstrate this in spades.

Remap is a charity that provides disabled people with custom-made equipment to help them be as independent as possible. From mobility aids to gadgets around the home and sports equipment, to supporting education and learning, no problem is too big or too small and all their help and knowledge is supplied free of charge.

This year’s award-winning projects include a device to steadily hold binoculars on the head so the user can watch birds without using their hands, an adaption to a trike that enables a carer to ride behind the user and apply brakes if required, a computerised armband that notifies the user if their posture is unbalanced, a neck support for a man with motor neurone disease, a custom-made voice amplifier for a young child with weak vocal cords and a set of guide rails for visually impaired tenpin bowlers.

Able Magazine is Remap’s media partner and editor, Tom Jamison, attended their awards ceremony to present the Able Magazine Award to West Midlands volunteer, Philip Watts for his simple and effective idea for getting a stroke survivor in and out of his home.

Robert lives with his daughter and son-in-law in a terraced house with a tricky entrance. The door is on the side of the house and is followed by a right angle into a narrow passageway which includes a step. The family were finding it very difficult to manoeuvre Robert’s wheelchair around this tight corner, to the extent that his daughter, Vanessa, could not take him out without further helpers.

Philip took on the challenge of designing and making a piece of equipment to help. Having been a railwayman before retirement, Philip thought of a turntable solution. He constructed this from wood and metal so that the wheelchair can now be pushed up a small ramp onto the turntable, rotated 90 degrees and out of the door.

Vanessa can now take her dad out for trips in the fresh air and to visit clinics and stroke clubs, all activities intended to improve the chances of a successful rehabilitation. A brilliant solution which provides great practical help in the home.

Tom Jamison said: “Just when I think there’s nothing new under the Sun I read about another Remap project and say to myself, ‘Why hasn’t anyone thought of that before?’ All of the nominees and winners are amazing!”

What challenge do you have for Remap?

Whether you need a piece of equipment that isn’t on the market, or need to have something adapted, Remap can help. Remap volunteers can design and custom-make equipment for your specific needs. The service is available to disabled people of all ages, free of charge and you can request our help directly.

Founders Award

Niall McCarroll of Remap Berkshire

Niall made a small speech amplifier which clips on James’ glasses. Read more

Wolff Award

Akshaya Ahuja of Remap Cambridge

Akshaya made a wearable pressure sensor to help Sarah correct her posture. Read more

Remap 50 Award

Nigel Barnicle of Remap West Midlands

Nigel’s chariot for Tom’s trike lets him indulge his need for speed safely.  Read more

Sport Award

Richard Brown of Remap Basingstoke
Richard’s lightweight, portable guide rails help this team of visually impaired bowlers find the right lane. Read more

Miller Centre Trust Award

Michael Snell of Remap Cambridge

Michael’s single-handed binoculars mean Emmy can keep birdwatching.  Read more

Able Magazine Award

Philip Watts of Remap West Midlands

Philip’s railway-inspired turntable mean that Roger and his daughter are able to leave their house. Read more

Carpenter Award

Derek Hayes of Remap Kent

Our ‘simple but effective’ award goes to Derek, for his comfortable and discreet alternative to the standard neck brace. Read more

Contact Remap:

Tel: 01732 760209
Email: data@remap.org.uk

www.remap.org.uk
www.facebook.com/Remap.org
Twitter and Instagram: @RemapUK