Hey everyone! I'm looking for some creative ideas or guidance on a project for my 5-year-old son, who had a stroke at birth and now experiences left hemiparesis. He can walk and do a few things with his left side, but it's definitely weak, and he primarily communicates using an iPad Mini with a communication app. He has this cool strap that he uses to carry it, but it's tricky for him to use it comfortably while walking because he has to put it down to interact with it.
I'm trying to create something that will attach to his talker so that he can prop it against his body while using the strap. I'm thinking about using a spring-loaded or locking hinge that would be lightweight and easy to open and close with one hand. I have a bit of experience working with wood, but I'm not a pro, so I'd appreciate any advice on materials and design! Thanks in advance for your help!
2 Answers
This sounds like a great project! I have experience in the disability sector and have designed some assistive technologies before. If you're looking for a solution, a strap around his abdomen could work well. You might want to explore a lockable hinge to flip the device into typing mode when he needs to use it. I found a cool chest harness that holds a tablet—might give you some inspiration! Keep me posted on how it goes!
This is an exciting endeavor! For the mechanism, consider a touch or push latch; they’re used in many car sunglass holders and allow for quick opening and closing. It should be user-friendly for your son, and makes it easier to handle. Hope that helps and good luck with your project!
Thanks for the suggestion! That type of latch could really simplify things.