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About the solution
Raleigh Dewan, a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, witnessed first-hand the severe effects a neurologic disorder can make as his grandmother June was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Dewan saw the debilitating hand tremors that would not allow her to eat without spilling food everywhere, preventing her from enjoying the family dinners, she lovingly prepared.
So, Dewan began researching Parkinson’s disease and the available eating-assist devices. He found weighted spoons with heavy handles and some motorized versions already on the market. However, they all were prohibitively expensive and of limited efficacy. Then, fueled by the desire to help his own grandmother, Dewan envisioned an affordable, mechanical solution that would solve tremors, and his first ideation of SteadiSpoon came to fruition in an entrepreneurship class.
He later joined forces with another student from SMU, Mason Morland, and also Emily Javedan, a Johns Hopkins student, to better develop the idea. The SteadiSpoon is a self-stabilizing eating utensil that allows people suffering from disorders that cause shaking – such as Parkinson’s and essential tremors – to regain their ability to feed themselves with ease and dignity. The device designs are 3D-printable, allowing for scalable production and charitable licensing in developing countries.
Dewan’s grandmother sadly passed away in 2021, but her story and spirit continue to inspire the project on every level.
This story was adapted from: https://www.smu.edu/News/Research/SteadiSpoon
The images were taken from: https://www.smu.edu/News/Research/SteadiSpoon, and we do not own any of them.
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
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Father creates custom cane for his daughter
Physical disability
Elderly
Limb amputation
Limb asymmetry
Limb crushing injury
Brain stem stroke
Leg
Cane
Walking
WALKING WITH A WALKING AID: Walking with a walking aid
BODY BALANCE: Maintaining body balance
Assistive Daily Life Device (to help ADL)
Walking Aid (wheelchair/walker/crutches)
Restoring mobility
Promoting self-management
Rehabilitating After Stroke
Promoting inclusivity and social integration
Maintaining Balance and Mobility
Neurology
Orthopedics
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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372
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6646
Wheelchair Accessible Recliner
Quadriparesis
Tetraplegia
Paraplegia
Motor neurone disease
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Spina bifida
Physical disability
Wheelchair
Maintain body position
MOVING IN A WHEELCHAIR: Moving using a wheelchair.
CAREGIVING
Walking Aid (wheelchair/walker/crutches)
Managing pain
Promoting self-management
Preserving Organ Function
Promoting inclusivity and social integration
Maintaining Balance and Mobility
Restoring Blood Circulation
Preventing (Vaccination, Protection, Falls, Research/Mapping)
Internal Medicine
Neurology
Orthopedics
Rheumatology
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407
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7064
handSteady - Ergonomic cup
Parkinson's disease
Arthritis
Movement disorders (incl parkinsonism)
Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism
Parkinson's disease psychosis
Parkinsonian rest tremor
Parkinsonism
Vascular parkinsonism
Elderly
Physical disability
Arthritis allergic
Arthritis bacterial
Arthritis climacteric
Arthritis enteropathic
Arthritis fungal
Arthritis gonococcal
Arthritis helminthic
Arthritis infective
Arthritis reactive
Arthritis rubella
Arthritis salmonella
Arthritis viral
Autoimmune arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Hand
Grip
Eating (eat+drink)
(SELF)-CARE: DRINKING: Drinking independently.
Assistive Daily Life Device (to help ADL)
Promoting self-management
Promoting inclusivity and social integration
Maintaining Balance and Mobility
Neurology
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