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

This video discusses how the Heron toilet and bathing seat can negate the need for a hoist in the bathroom area. By using the Heron with the tilt-in-space, height adjustability and the recline the user can go over the toilet, to the wash basin and be showered in the same piece of equipment. Negating the need for a hoist has saved cost and use of space, as well as meeting the users personal hygiene requirements. http://www.r82.co.uk/products/toilet-bath-/heron/c-23/c-74/p-213/?sku=52831

Flamingo High-low is a modern and comfortable toilet/bathing chair that fits into every bathroom. The inlay provides comfort for the user while the elegant design makes it easy for the carer to use. The height adjustable feature eliminates poor posture and allows caregivers to perform bathing and hygiene tasks in a convenient and good working position. The Flamingo High-low has smooth and stepless height adjustment that allows for easy transfer with a hoist, while staying at eye level with the user, providing dignity in the process. http://www.r82.co.uk/products/toilet-bath-/flamingo-high-low/c-23/c-74/p-219/?sku=53563

This video talks you through the things you should consider about choosing toileting and bathing equipment. Bathtime for kids is for fun, splashing about and playing. For others it might mean quiet time to relax and unwind. For everyone it is important that we feel comfortable and safe. Our range of bathroom products are designed to give you the support you need, protect your independence and provide dignity during personal care activities. Helena Poulton, Advanced Practitioner OT identifies some of the key questions you should ask when choosing bathroom equipment http://www.r82.co.uk/education/workbooks/toilet-bath/

Etac R82, supplier of specialist assistive equipment for disabled children and adults, generated a lot of interest when it showcased new products including the recently acq uired Convaid brand and the new Flamingo High Low toilet and shower seat. It also hosted well-attended education seminars at Kidz to Adultz South (09.06.16, Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading). Etac R82 supplies R82, Etac, Molift, Immedia and now Convaid brands. Highly regarded by families and healthcare professionals, Etac R82’s assistive products include standing, walking, toileting, transfer and bathing aids along with adapted wheelchairs and buggies. At the popular Etac R82 stand, adults and children participated in hands-on demonstrations of an impressive range of specialist, paediatric and rehabilitation products. Visitors were able to compare and contrast R82’s new Convaid assistive buggies including the lightweight Cruiser, Rodeo and compact Scout wheelchair buggy – ideal for multi-terrain surfaces.

Maxine Nicholls, 34 from Buntingford, Hertfordshire, is a successful racing driver with a disability who can continue independently entering motorsport events thanks to a new TGA  Minimo mobility scooter 4mph maybe a lot slower than she is used to, however without her new folding TGA scooter Maxine would be dependent on others to attend race meets. Maxine lives with  Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease  (CMT), which is a genetic condition that damages peripheral nerves. This results in difficulties with walking and other co-ordination issues however Maxine continues to be focused and determined and has recently qualified to be a driver instructor. Outside of work she is the only lady to race in the Toyota MR2 championship and regularly competes against her brother and father. New to racing in 2014, Maxine proudly won the BWRDC  (British Women Racing Drivers Club)  “Newcomer of the Year Award” in 2015 and now continues to build up her racing reputation. She recently volunteered at  The Sil

For bathers needing specialist care, 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/product/aquanova-baths/gemini Bathers sit on the platform and the bath is then raised, gently immersing them in a relaxing bath. The bath and the bather can then be raised to a comfortable working height for the carer. After bathing, the platform becomes a drying and changing table, avoiding a wet transfer out of the bath. In fact, an overall benefit of the Gemini is that it significantly reduces the number of transfers required - making the bathing experience less tiring, safer and more pleasurable for bathers and carers alike.

Dog owners Steven Cable, 61, and James McKenzie, 80, from King's Lynn, have teamed up on two sporty black  Vita mobility scooters  to continue helping the local community and friends in need.  Born in King's Lynn, Steven was a construction machinery operator and long distance lorry driver before taking early retirement following major spinal surgery. Steven now lives with many conditions that affect his health and mobility hence he needs a scooter to remain independent. ​Despite his day-to-day challenges Steven continues to look after Pepper Green Park by cleaning up litter and notifying the council about graffiti when travelling around on his rugged 8mph  Vita X mobility scooter . He also continues to campaign for more children's playground equipment. This commitment to looking after the local environment, made possible by his TGA scooter, has recently earned Steven a civic award from the council - 'Recognition of Outstanding Voluntary Services for the Benefit

TGA, the UK’s leading mobility scooter and wheelchair specialist, has experienced a rewarding 2016  Mobility Roadshow  by showcasing popular new products, running a competition and welcoming Invictus Games Athlete Lamin Manneh on stand H2-54. (Silverstone Circuit, 26-28th May 2016). With its engineering and motorsport heritage dating back over 30 years, TGA was delighted to showcase its complete scooter, wheelchair and wheelchair powerpack range at Silverstone. TGA debuted its latest  folding Maximo mobility scooter , new  StrongBack wheelchair , forthcoming re-styled  Breeze S4  and unveiled a state-of-the-art powered ‘Whill’ wheelchair which maybe launched later in the year.  These innovations were complemented by the complete award-winning TGA product range, which attracted the attention of Roadshow’s VIP guest and event opener Lamin Manneh. Lamin is a disabled war hero who was the star of the DIY-SOS ‘Homes for Veteran’s Special’ and has recently won two bronze medals at the