Disability Newsfeed for Disabled People, Parents, Carers, Occupational Therapists and AHPs

This is recent ITV news coverage of how the Scallop is helping Evie with Cerebal Palsy, how the seat work and and how Keira Gwynn, the designer, developed the idea.  http://www.also4me.com

The Theraposture Rotoflex Bed - Getting out of bed independently and safely whilst highlighting the importance of vertical lift functionality. The Rotoflex® concept The Rotoflex is an electrically operated adjustable bed that also provides powered rotational assistance to get you in and out independently. This rotating bed is the original and proven rotating bed system. Uniquely, this sophisticated adjustable bed has been developed over a period of 20 years. It allows people living with restricted mobility to access a bed independently and safely without the assistance of a carer. One button to move from sitting to lying. Getting legs into bed is a problem for many people – the Rotoflex offers the solution. At the touch of one button, the Rotoflex will move you from an upright seated to a lying position and vice versa. The precision German mechanisms are smooth, quiet and strong so the transfer experience is pleasant and relaxing, you are always in total control. http://w

A seven-year-old girl is looking forward to a very special Christmas this year - thanks to the clever creation of one young graduate. Evie Hopkins, from Swansea, has cerebral palsy, which affects all four of her limbs as well as her balance and mobility. She can't sit unaided without toppling over, which once made simple pleasures like wrapping Christmas presents, a day out or even eating a meal at the table a struggle. But thanks to a specially designed seat known as the Scallop, Evie is now able to join in with her family and friends. http://www.also4me.com

Here we show our popular hi-lo bath, the Gemini, demonstrated by David Bertorelli at Kidz to Adultz North 2016.  The Gemini bath  is a fully height adjustable bath that comes with an integrated variable-height platform to assist with bathing, drying and changing. http://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/videos/demonstrating-gemini-hi-lo-bath/

Liam Braddell talks us through why the Rotoflex bed is the proven rotational bed and how it solves the problem of getting in and out of bed for those people living with restricted mobility.  http://www.theraposture.co.uk/beds/rotoflex

Liam Braddell from Theraposture talks to us about the Rotoflex bed. In this video he explains what the Rotoflex bed is, how it helps people and the range of models, options and accessories available.  http://www.theraposture.co.uk/beds/rotoflex

Liam Braddell from Theraposture explains how the Rotoflex electrically operated adjustable bed can help people maintain their independence and reduce care costs.  http://www.theraposture.co.uk/beds/rotoflex

Jay Adewale, 46 from London and who lives with a muscle wasting condition, has regained his independence on a  TGA Vita Mid i at TGA Mobility’s safe scoot driving day, following the theft of his previous mobility scooter. Jay from north west London is one such individual who lives with a neurological disability that results in his muscles becoming weaker over time. He also has to live with symptoms similar to extreme Rheumatoid Arthritis so walking unaided is impossible. Putting weight on his legs causes Jay a lot of pain, hence he purchased another brand of mobility scooter a while ago. However, this scooter was recently stolen from outside of his home and left him with ‘no legs’. Without insurance, he needed to quickly find a scooter that he could afford and ideally one that was more in-keeping with his age – a cutting edge TGA Vita Midi was the answer. The Vita looks more like a modern motorbike with streamlined body moulding, LED lights, bucket seat and revolutionar

Theraposture provide the widest choice of tailor-made solutions so that an infinite variety of needs can be met for users of all shapes, weights and sizes. This product flexibility is a major benefit to OTs which is supported by an equally adaptable and professional approach to working with OT’s. The experienced and accredited team of nationwide Trusted Assessors work closely with OTs to ensure positive outcomes are achieved for all through assessment-based equipment provision and 14-day suitability guarantees. A major benefit to OTs At the OT Show Theraposture will be available to explain why and how its extensive product range remains first choice for many OTs and their clients. Focusing on its proven turning bed portfolio, the Trusted Assessors will be demonstrating a LOW access Rotoflex 175 (175Kg SWL) and a Bariatric Rotoflex 300 (300kg SWL). The LOW access Rotoflex 175 bed provides the ultimate assistive solution for smaller clients so they can move from a

We all know the great feeling of spending quality time with friends and family, whether that is sitting around the dinner table or at school. Finding a seat for a child with special needs is not easy. The Scallop however, is a unique and fun seat that focuses on three factors, Simplicity, Portability and Versatility. It provides a seating solution for those who require extra support whilst floor sitting or sitting on a chair. This lightweight and stylish seat enables participation in everyday activities for the whole family. This seat can be used for different age groups and a range of activities. To find out more, or to order your scallop online, please visit R82's new online webshop http://www.also4me.com

TGA , a UK leading specialist in mobility scooters and products, has donated a specialist powered adjustable chair worth £1,700 to help cancer patients attending the  West Suffolk Hospital Macmillan Unit. TGA  supplies quality mobility scooters across the UK and has an independent living showroom based in  Sudbury, Suffolk. This showroom provides a comprehensive range of reliable mobility products ranging from scooters, bath lifts and rise and recliner chairs to smaller gadgets for independent living. In addition, its experienced team has been trained to assess patients for more high specification products such as specialist adjustable chairs and power wheelchairs – a service that is rare in East Anglia. Away from the showroom and on a national level,  TGA’s  showcased its scooters at a trade exhibition and was lucky enough to win a specialist adjustable chair. This  Kirton Florien  is a manually operated chair that provides a multitude of reclined and upright-seated positions a

Linda Locke, 64 and retired carer from Leiston in Suffolk, has won a new  Eclipse ‘car boot’ mobility scooter  courtesy of  TGA Mobility  in Sudbury – giving her independence to bird-watch once more. For many years, Linda and her husband David have been regular visitors to the  RSPB  Minsmere nature reserve on the east coast of Suffolk. This  AONB  is home to a huge variety of wildlife including otters, adders, lizards and wetland-feeding birds such as Avocets. The Lockes are keen bird watchers however Linda lives with  Osteoarthritis  which means walking is becoming increasingly difficult and painful. Despite RSPB Minsmere being accessible and disability-friendly, Linda is becoming unable to walk the large distances from car park to bird hide. This has all changed recently by winning a new compact Eclipse mobility scooter from Suffolk’s TGA Mobility. TGA is an award-winning mobility product specialist that supplies quality mobility scooters nationwide. It also has a welcoming a

Designed to assist adults and children with disabilities, we showcased our popular and affordable adjustable care cots and beds at ' Kidz to Adultz Scotland '. (Royal Highland Exhibition Centre, Edinburgh). The in-built precision German engineering in every  Theraposture cot  and bed provides quiet and smooth variable height adjustment, profiling, or variable height and profiling. This helps both parents and carers attend to a disabled child at a safe working height and therefore reduces the risk of muscle or back injury. Safe and strong cot and bed sides, high quality safety padding and innovative locking devices all ensure children with challenging behavior can be protected from injury and enjoy greater comfort and reassurance. Picture courtesy of event organisers  Disabled Living . To demonstrate the vast range of solutions available from Theraposture, this highly regarded specialist demonstrated a variety of product examples at Kidz Scotland including a bespoke w

Despite living with walking difficulties, John Phillips, 66 from Bromley in Kent, has been able to holiday with complete freedom on Menorca thanks to a new type of folding mobility scooter – a  TGA Minimo Plus. John, a retired Chartered Surveyor from Bromley in Kent, has suffered with  Multiple Sclerosis (MS)  since 1980. John's condition has deteriorated in recent years and he now lives with substantial mobility issues. He can only walk short distances and due to neuropathic pain, cannot stand for long. Annually since 1986 John and his family have been taking their Summer holiday flying to the Balearics island of Menorca. John's MS condition reached the secondary progressive stage 10 years ago which sadly means there will be no remission, only decline with worsening mobility and other issues. John's wife Barbara had until this year (2016) been pushing John in a wheelchair from their hotel to the lovely beaches, restaurants and bars nearby, but this was becoming ve

TGA, a leading UK mobility scooter and product specialist, has been delighted to assist a customer with a 21-year-old  TGA Wheelchair Powerpack  that is still providing assured performance and reliability. Each model within the TGA Powerpack range comprises of motorized unit and wheel(s) that can be fitted to the underside of a manual attendant controlled wheelchair. The powered propulsion of the Powerpack ensures pushing a wheelchair is strain-free and the risk of back or muscle strain is reduced for carers - especially when negotiating slopes, kerbs or uneven surfaces. The  Solo ,  Duo ,  Heavy-duty  and  PLUS  models have been enhanced over a period of 25 years and are proudly built in the UK. TGA is renowned for a successful engineering heritage, which is reflected in the quality, reliability and performance of the Powerpack. A Powerpack recently refitted by TGA to a wheelchair is testament to this proven track record - 21-years-old and still functioning as if new. Miss Sam

Emily Skerrett, 33 from Bude in Cornwall, is a talented disabled horse rider who has been selected to represent Great Britain in Para-equestrian dressage and will now be able to perform even better thanks to the support of TGA and a folding  Maximo mobility scooter. Emily has been riding since the age of 4. She was originally born in Cheltenham however moved to Cornwall in 2011 to be nearer grandparents as she lives with disability and has two small children. Emily has ''Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) - a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue and also has a total wrist and hand fusion, dysautonomia and movement disorder. This results in a variety of mobility difficulties that means Emily needs crutches to walk and hence caring for her horses is a challenge. Pre-competition and day-to-day activity can sap her strength when in the stable yard, tacking up or accessing event show grounds, resulting in less energy to perform in the arena. Despite the

Joan (67) and retired school caretaker Fred Blois (72) from Heathfield, East Sussex, have recently discovered greater freedom thanks to ownership of two folding, bus-friendly  TGA mobility scooters  and the support of Stagecoach South East. Mr and Mrs Blois are a lovely couple who are both new owners of a pioneering type of folding mobility scooter  a TGA Minimo Plus.  As they both struggle with walking and general mobility, these new scooters will ensure they remain independent and have the ability to travel on public transport. This is essential as Fred is struggling to drive and they live in a rural area with limited amenities nearby. Joan read about the new lightweight Minimo Plus and felt it would be ideal for both their needs however it was important to check it would be suitable for bus travel before purchase. Hence she contacted her local bus operator,  Stagecoach , to ascertain whether this scooter would be permitted to travel and how she could test its suitability. Sta

In this video, Tim Ross, TGA National Sales Manager demonstrates the new features that can be found on the latest Maximo folding mobility scooter. Offering a larger design based on the best-selling Minimo, the new folding Maximo includes a new fully adjustable ergonomic tiller and seat http://www.tgamobility.co.uk/2016/05/...

Tim Ross, TGA's National Sales Manager gives you a quick guide to the TGA Breeze mobility scooter.  The TGA Breeze brings you the ultimate in advanced comfort, performance and looks that have set the standards within the mobility scooter industry, year after year, mile after mile. http://www.tgamobility.co.uk/product/... This is advanced motorcycle style engineering that delivers unrivalled comfort, safety and performance. Meanwhile powerful motors, large wheels and excellent ground clearance make kerbs and rough ground 'a breeze'. For more information please contact: 01787 882244 or sales@tgamobility.co.uk

A specialist Abacus power-adjustable bath (Hi-Lo bath) will provide safe and comfortable bathing for many users living with disability. If access to a standard bath is difficult or impossible, then a specialist Hi-Lo bath with powered functions will assist disabled bathers so they can get in and out more easily. Abacus Hi-Lo baths can include powered bather transfer seats, height adjustment, integrated changing/drying platforms, additional adaptive features and bespoke postural supports. All these functions deliver a more enjoyable bath-time for disabled adults and children and provide safer working heights for carers and parents. By eliminating manual lifting and lowering of disabled bathers carers can avoid potential back injury or muscle strain. Healthcare professionals such as Occupational Therapists also appreciate the many benefits of safe access to a specialist bath for their disabled clients – in terms of improved wellbeing, dignity and care. However when applying for a Hi

R82 UK, highly respected supplier of assistive products for children and young adults, is delighted to support  The Frame Football Association  with a series of Crocodile walking frame donations so more young disabled players can enjoy the beautiful game. In this video you will see 10-year-old Reid from Nottinghamshire receive his donated Crocodile from R82 and begin training with his new walking aid. Reid said: “The Crocodile is the best frame by far! As it has a seat, I don’t have to take a wheelchair anywhere. I can walk and then take a break if I need to. Having this new Crocodile means I can have a walker at all of my Frame Football sessions which is amazing. It’s brilliant for Frame Footie. I like playing keeper but the Crocodile means I can move really fast so I’m great at scoring lots of goals as well!” Frame Football is a new activity in the UK set up by amateur football coach, Richard Seedhouse based in Coventry. Ordinarily, many  Frame Football  players use crutches to ass

Beth who lives with Cerebral Palsy, has recently begun using R82’s Mustang – an anterior/posterior gait trainer which allows a growing child to develop stepping and walking skills and achieve proper positioning The Mustang is designed to assist gait in a wide range of abilities and is particularly suitable for children with  Cerebral Palsy .  Offering flexibility and ease of use, it is highly adaptable to cater for a child’s changing needs as they grow. The anterior position is ideal for users unable to fully weight bear on their feet, or if motor skills are reduced and the user needs support around the trunk and pelvis. The posterior position can be used for those children who have improved gait development, more advanced trunk stability and who are capable of bearing their full weight. Read the full case study here:  http://www.r82.co.uk/media/443573/12...6bethv1web.pdf Find out more about R82 UK paediatric products here:  http://www.r82.co.uk/

The Heron is a state of the art toilet and bathing seat. The simple design and clean appearance conceal multiple functionality features that improve both the user and carer experience. The Heron sets new standards for users with special needs for positioning. The seat is ergonomically correct, meaning it can be tilted and the back reclined without compromise for the user. Clever design means that during recline, the anatomical pivot point at the axis of the hips is maintained. This provides the user more comfort when seated. The Heron can be used freestanding with a pan, directly over the toilet or as a bathing chair in the shower. The smooth height, tilt and recline functions ensure optimum working conditions for the carer. http://www.r82.co.uk/products/toilet-bath-/heron/c-23/c-74/p-213/?sku=52831

In this short video you will see visitors trying the specialist Gemini assistive bath from Abacus Healthcare at the Kidz to Adultz South exhibition.  It demonstrates the powered functionality of the Gemini which includes variable height and an integrated platform - designed to maximise safety and comfort for disabled bathers and their carers. http://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/

Toby Hawkridge, 11, who has Cerebral Palsy became the excited recipient of an R82 Crocodile Walking Frame, gifted to him recently by R82 whilst playing Frame Football at Basildon Soccability. R82 UK, specialist suppliers of adaptive solutions for disabled children and young adults, are supporting UK Frame Football clubs by donating eight  Crocodile Walkers  to young players. Set up by amateur football coach, Richard Seedhouse, Frame Football is a new activity with teams forming across the UK. Many players use crutches on a daily basis but utilise a wheeled walking frame when they play. R82 UK hopes, by supporting the activity, it can raise the profile of this inclusive sport and encourage more children to get involved. Toby, a passionate Tottenham Hotspur fan, began participating in  Frame Football at Basildon Soccability  nine months ago. Although he can walk unaided, he uses crutches to help him on a daily basis and is reliant on a frame to run, go backwards and for longer

The Heron is a state of the art toilet and bathing seat. The simple design and clean appearance conceal multiple functionality features that improve both the user and carer experience. It potentially negates the need to complete the need for any transfers in the bathroom. http://www.r82.co.uk/products/toilet-bath-/heron/c-23/c-74/p-213/?sku=52831

David Multon, 77, who lives in Salcombe and Dorking, has taken ownership of a new type of  folding Minimo Plus mobility scooter  so he can continue enjoying a rewarding lifestyle despite living with mobility difficulties. Before retiring David spent most of his career working in the chemical additives industry. He was a successful UK Managing Director for both a German company and later his own business which both supplied stabilizing agents to the PVC manufacturing sector. Outside of work he was a keen sailor and over many years owned several boats moored in Salcombe harbour. He regularly took his son out water skiing and was also an enthusiastic tennis and badminton player. However, David experienced a slipped disc in 1994 that started a sequence of back issues resulting in several operations. He was paralyzed for a period from the waist down and spent two years in a wheelchair. Nevertheless, with his go-getting and positive attitude, David managed to achieve some ab

In this short video you will see visitors trying the specialist Gemini assistive bath from Abacus Healthcare at the Kidz to Adultz South exhibition. It demonstrates the powered functionality of the Gemini which includes variable height and an integrated platform - designed to maximise safety and comfort for disabled bathers and their carers. http://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/

R82 UK, highly respected supplier of assistive products for children and young adults, is delighted to support The Frame Football Association with a series of walking frame donations so more young disabled players can enjoy the beautiful game. Frame Football is a new activity in the UK set up by amateur football coach, Richard Seedhouse based in Coventry. Ordinarily, many Frame Football players use crutches to assist their mobility but utilise a wheeled walking frame to support them when they play. With more teams now forming across the UK, R82 are gifting eight Crocodile Walkers to young players in the coming months. The aim of these donations is to encourage more children to get involved and raise the profile of this inclusive sport. http://www.r82.co.uk/news/2016/07/r82-helps-more-children-enjoy-frame-football-with-donated-crocodile-walking-aids/

Despite living with disability, William (Bill) Robertson, 66 from Bucks Burn near Aberdeen, has been able to revive his passion for outward-bound adventures thanks to a new  'Harley Davidson style' Supersport mobility scooter. Originally born in Aberdeen, Bill has been a keen hill-walker and mountaineer for over 35 years enjoying many expeditions in his local Cairngorms. He has climbed Ben Macdui, the second highest peak in Britain, 21 times and has spent many nights under canvas and in snow holes during the winter. Before retiring Bill’s varied career involved working in the motor trade, offshore and internationally whilst serving in the Merchant Navy. However, in recent years his mobility and energy levels have become severely reduced due to Cancer and major circulatory problems – resulting in Bill becoming housebound. With the ability to only walk a few steps, Bill was unable to... read more

A stunning mobility scooter with innovative, hi-tech engineering and design. Nobody else offers anything quite like the Vita. ( http://www.tgamobility.co.uk/range/la... ) Front double-wishbone suspension and a rear mono-shockabsorber borrow technology from the automotive industry. The fully adjustable and contoured seat adds to the comfort. All propelled by the powerful motor. Advances such as the brilliantly clear liquid crystal display give you all the information you need and the super bright LED lights means the Vita takes mobility scooters to a new level of safety, performance and comfort. For more information please contact: 01787 882244 or sales@tgamobility.co.uk

Heritage and Style - A super reliable mobility scooter with a proven track record the Supersport's ( http://www.tgamobility.co.uk/product/... ) stunning looks and styling are backed up by simple, rugged, tried and tested engineering and design features that owe much to motorcycle technology. The result is outstanding comfort, stability and manoeuverability whatever the surface, whatever the conditions.  Ideal mobility scooter for those who want to explore the great outdoors.

The TGA Breeze 3 & 4 Midi offers you comfort and style that can take you anywhere. http://www.tgamobility.co.uk/range The Breeze Midi offers you the very best in mobility scooter travel, in two brilliantly light and manoeuvrable models. We've taken all the elements that make our bigger Breeze models industry leading classics such as, state of the art engineering, comfort, safety, performance and reliability - and combined them in two nimble, easy to handle mobility scooters.

This short video demonstrates why levering and lifting the Minimo Plus mobility scooter into the boot of a car is strain-free. With its new optional lifting handle the Minimo Plus can be easily levered into a car boot as it is longer than other compact folding scooters. This unique feature means owners are only required to lift less than half of the scooter’s weight – a mere 9.9kg with the seat detached.  http://www.tgamobility.co.uk/product/minimo-plus Tel: 01787 882244 Email: sales@tgamobility.co.uk

As the main event sponsor of  Kidz to Adultz Wales , R82 will host a series of interactive on-stand seminars led by R82’s Managing Director Jon Preater, and Helena Poulton, Advanced Practitioner OT and Consultant to R82. The seminar programme includes: 10am: “Considerations when choosing toileting and bathing equipment” Helena Poulton, Advanced Practitioner OT and Consultant to R82 11am: “Benefits of Abducted Standing with Gazelle and the R82 Next Step Development Plan with the Mustang”  Jon Preater, R82 Managing Director 12pm: “A look at the Flamingo High Low and Heron” Helena Poulton and special guest Ben Joseph. Ben, 19 and a user of disability equipment, will share his experience of being involved in assistive product design including R82’s Heron. 1pm: “Headpod” – a look at the suspension head support system which promotes midline symmetry” In addition, Helena Poulton, Advanced Practitioner OT and Consultant to R82 is hosting a seminar (Hall 2, Seminar Room 1) entitled

These engaging and concise demonstrations highlight key ways to assist with specialist bathing so that client dignity and care is maximised. They also outline techniques to improve bather moving and handling so risks are minimised for carers. Each four hour session is focussed on providing a relaxed yet informative atmosphere and includes complimentary lunch and refreshments. Presented by senior product specialists, these practical workshops include hands-on experience of Abacus’ proven bath and accessories range. Abacus works closely with healthcare professionals to deliver fully integrated accessible bathrooms. This proven experience and understanding of OT and wide ranging end user needs, are reflected throughout every presentation. The Abacus demonstrator will be able to answer many questions regarding task, bather and product suitability for a variety of care settings. Abacus ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions can be held anywhere in the UK at a location of your choice. They

Sweet dreams with Age UK’s new beds range With people spending around a third of their lives in bed, owning one that provides comfort and support is essential for a good night’s rest. In fact, regularly experiencing a good night’s sleep is as vital for health and well-being as diet and exercise [1] . That’s why Age UK Trading, has teamed up with Theraposture, a long established, adjustable bed specialist, to offer older people the chance to create their own bed as part of a new range of electrically adjustable beds.   Providing the perfect balance of support and comfort to enable a great night’s sleep, the new collection of Age UK Adjustable Beds includes ready-to-choose and tailor-made beds, which can be created online using an easy-to-use virtual “Bed Builder” tool found at  www.ageukbeds.co.uk .   Designed so that older individuals and couples can sleep better and feel refreshed, the beds have been developed by Theraposture in association with a qualified Occupational Therapist