How to get a one-off item of equipment

Sometimes a commercial item of equipment just does not work, and there is nothing available to meet your specific needs.

There are some organisations that may be able to assist, by making a one-off item of equipment, or by adapting something that isn't quite right for you.

REMAP

REMAP is a national registered charity that aims to make or modify equipment, if there is nothing available commercially that meets your needs, to help disabled people of all ages to enjoy a better lifestyle. The local panel (Branch) members, who are all volunteers, consist of professional engineers, technicians, and craftspeople, along with medical and therapy staff from community services or hospitals. Referrals to your local panel should be supported by a professional, such as a therapist.

To quote from the REMAP website, "... sometimes the smallest gadget or the most simple modification to a piece of existing equipment can make an enormous difference to somebody's life."


REMAP has a good record of being able to assist people with a muscular dystrophy, and every year it produces a yearbook with details of some of its most innovative projects.

You can find out more about REMAP by visiting it website: www.remap.org.uk

DEMAND

DEMAND fills the gap by designing and manufacturing equipment for people with disabilities if the equipment does not currently exist. Equipment is provided without charge to individuals.

The range of things it can help with include gaining independence, being secure in your home, improving mobility, going on outings and enjoying sport.

Visit DEMAND's website at: www.demand.org.uk

Medical Engineering Resource Unit (MERU)

MERU concentrates on designing and manufacturing a variety of bespoke equipment and devices to meet the individual needs of disabled children when there is no commercially available alternative. MERU offers two types of assistance. The general service deals with seating and mobility needs, toys to assist with learning and playing, customised trays for wheelchairs, educational aids and other equipment for use at home and school. This service is generally available in the South West London, North Surrey and North West Kent areas.

The other service is the Interface Centre, which offers nationwide cover. Its purpose is to give severely disabled children independent control through the design and manufacture of custom-made innovative solutions. The Interface Centre can design and manufacture custom-made switches, joysticks, keyboards and mice to give children control of computers, communication aids and wheelchairs.

Visit MERU's website: www.meru.org.uk