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Girl creates device to help paralyzed grandmother read books

Shared by Ana Duarte on 2017-03-27 16:30

About the solution

The solution consists of a wooden device which has two functions: to hold the book and keep it open, and to allow the user to turn the pages.

“First, the bookend should be tilted slightly so that the book does not lie flat. Otherwise grandmother had to bend over to read and she can’t. Secondly, I had to think of something to keep the pages in place and make sure the text is not covered. That's why I got the idea to use a transparent material (plexiglass). The plexiglass glued to a wooden slat fits on the two sides of the bookend in a slot. So you can move them, depending on the size of the book. The stand itself is made from a sheet of plywood. Then two wooden slats glued to the slot”, the inventor described.

Nette’s grandmother had a road accident and became totally paralyzed, being able to use only her right arm and wrist.

She loves to read, but has a hard time turning the pages and keep a book open. So her granddaughter Nette stepped in and invented a book holder which allows the book to stay open on the right page.

Using the help of her grandfather, who, years earlier had already made a small rod with a non-slip end to turn the pages and helped with the materials, she created a device which allows the user to keep the book open and turn the pages.

According to Nette, the invention is also adapted to people who suffer from limited finger movement following an accident or a disease, in particular patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular diseases, Paralysis, etc.

You can check the attached file with drawings and instructions.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2mINTLZ

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Nette Dedapper, born in Belgium, developed, in 2016, a low cost device to help disabled users read books. The girl created this solution for her grandmother Eveline, who has only the use of her right arm and wrist, and loves to read.

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