Date: 08.07.2009
From: Katy
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Subject: Beautifully Designed Equipment
Hi. I am an Occupational Therapist turned Artist and Designer, currently completing an MA in Design at NUCA.
I 'm really interested in doing a project looking at the aesthetics of the equipment that is currently on the market - especially adapted cutlery, cups, bowls and plates. I haven't worked as an OT for several years, but a quick look on the internet tells me things haven't moved on an awful lot - still quite a lot of beige plastic around!
I would really value any feedback you may have in this area - things you may have used or would consider using. Do you you use any adapted tableware that is functional but could look better?
I look forward to hearing from you - even if you don't use any of the above but have an opinion!
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Date: 08.07.2009
From: Jule
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
I had a hip replacement four years ago. Had to be on cruthces for two months. Was impossible to carry anything unless i slung a bag over my shoulder. Didn't work for carrying a cup of tea though. Had to borrow hostess trolly and slide my plates/ drinks down work surface then lift it onto trolly, then push trolly with good foot whilst trying to balance on my crutches.
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Date: 08.07.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
Wrist splint look god dam awfull. prosthetic pink my friend calls then. Why can't they do some jazzy design ones that look more asthetically pleasing (soz can't spell) Don't use any adapted table ware found it to be quite useless. My hands are not twisted yet so I can manage. The new meds were on slow the disease down so we tend to get less problems like that compared to several years ago.
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Date: 08.07.2009
From: Katy
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
Thank You!
Lynne - there is a designer called Sally Underwood who has RA and has been researching splint materials at the Royal College of Art - so maybe things are beginning to move along a little.
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Date: 08.07.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
Would make life a little brighter.. What kind of designs were you thinking of?
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Date: 09.07.2009
From: Jill
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
I think walking sticks should be colourful and pretty, also I buy pretty plastic beakers(cos I breaks mine cos im clumsy) from sains... the Picnic type...they r so colourful, and the plates, they make me feel bright and happier when washing up lol...sad arnt I...but your right about those Ugly beige splints Lynne...Y cannt they be colourful... or have butterflies on them, or pretty homours sayings etc, to keep that person Positive in using them... Katy we need people like U, thank you for coming into Our forum, cos us gals love one another LOL, we do dont we gals, and we all need colour in our lives...think its a gr8 idea
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Date: 10.07.2009
From: Jo
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
I cant live without my 'bottle opener' ..... no, not for beer!! The triangle one for opening jars etc. Another option would be to make things lighter! Not in colour but in weight! LOL I drop everything! I even notice with towels, makes a difference if they are lighter and thinner. A big yes to pretty splits!
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Date: 10.07.2009
From: val h
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
love the thought of humorus sayings would give something to talk about while waiting at doc or blood test.
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Date: 11.07.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
Yeh Jo me too.. and pans can't lift them if they are too heavy.. lol
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Date: 19.07.2009
From: Caroline
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
Hello Katy,
I would prefer equipment to look as though it is NOT designed specifically for anyone with mobility problems -to look just like a 'normal' piece of household furniture etc. I rebel at using 'adapted' things -I would rather struggle!
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Date: 19.07.2009
From: Justme
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
I think a lot of stuff could be made more pleasing if it was simply available in fukny colours! Walking sticks you can now get in jazzy designsbut i looked everywhere to find a bright pink wrist splint and had no luck. The best the hospital could find me was a blue and grey one but its still very dull. i'd love to be able to buy things in hot pink, purple, electric blue or with polka dots etc. I'm young but have RA. However i think more fun looking things would appeal to everyone. If we have to use these aids we may as well have fun with it! Good luck with it all - sounds fab!
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Date: 08.08.2009
From: Tim
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
In response to Justme - have you tried Funky Arthur? They do splints in purple and teal - better than the beige ones!!
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Date: 09.08.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
Thanks for that tim will check it out. Hate those blinking beige wrist splints. Nice to see chappies in here too.
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Date: 09.08.2009
From: val h
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
hi tim great having u with us do u have arther? if so which? will check out site dont use splints yet but never know when will need to have good day
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Date: 09.08.2009
From: val h
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Subject: Re: Beautifully Designed Equipment
hi had a look some great stuff on there thanks 4 link :-)
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