Dear Do-It Man: My husband is confined to a wheelchair. He can't move his feet at all and we have a difficult time getting him from his wheelchair into the bed. His feet twist around and sometimes catch under the wheelchair.
We're looking for some sort of device to make the transfer easier. Can you suggest something?- L.W., Salt Lake City
Dear Do-It Man: I am handicapped and must have a sturdy chaise lounge. The arms must be sturdy enough for me to grab and pull my considerable weight from my electric three-wheeler onto the chaise lounge. But the arms must be built so I can lower them or flip them back out of the way of my transfer board. I have an electric-lift wheelchair but it does not fit the bill.
- J.S., Salt Lake City.
Dear L.W. and J.S.: Some of our readers may recognize the second question because we ran it in a column last week. We're repeating it because we don't have the address or phone number of the person who sent it to us, so we're unable to respond to her by phone or mail. We have more information to pass along.
Either of these readers may want to contact the Ergonomics and Safety program of the University of Utah's Mechanical Engineering Department. The phone number is 581-4160. "Ergonomics" is the study of adapting work (or home) conditions to people. The program has produced a number of assistive devices for disabled people. Some were made for one individual. Others were designed for people with similar disabilities.
They include a tricycle for children with cerebral palsy, a lift-seat wheelchair, a wheelchair the occupant can propel forward with his feet and a device for a young woman with cerebral palsy who works as a data processor. The device holds her wrists in place so she can use the keyboard.
The program gives students a hands-on opportunity to design and build assistive devices and at the same time helps people in need.
The program, however, operates on limited resources. "I don't want people to think this is a huge government program with unlimited resources," said director Don Bloswick. "We work on a shoestring. Nobody gets paid for this and the projects can't be done overnight."
(He notes that designing a device to help wheelchair-bound patients shift into bed is difficult.)
That's one reason the program asks people to pay what they can toward purchasing supplies and equipment and welcomes any other contributions.
Nor are there are guarantees that students will be able to help you. Projects are accepted when there's a match between a project and a student who can work on it.
You might also contact REN Repair & Engineering in West Bountiful. Robert Neilson, a machinist by trade and an all-around handyman, has built various items for people. His number is 488-7186.
If he thinks he can help you, he'll give you a bid.