Turning Knobs Easier

Filed under Disability

Anyone who has arthritis or difficulties with grasping or pinching due to an injury or limited hand strength may find it hard to operate devices which are controlled by knobs, such as many major home appliances: stoves, washers and dryers, dishwashers. Luckily, there are a variety of tools available to help, available online and listed under the general category of knob turners that provide a longer handle, better grip and less strength to turn or open objects .

Knob Turners

Most knob turners feature either a rubber cup or a compressible operating surface that fits over the knob to be turned. Attached to the turning knob operator is a grip of some type; there are several different shapes designed for different types of disabilities. One common type is the T turning handle. As its name suggests, it is a vertical post on the back of the operating surface with a crosspiece that may be horizontal or slightly angled. Other types of grips include ball grips and pistol grips. Some models have an elongated handle to allow the user to reach knobs at the back of the appliance.

The different types of operating surfaces have different applications. Compressible surfaces work best on knobs which have a narrow, flat protrusion that requires pinching to operate. The compressible surface molds itself to the protrusion to grip it for turning. This type of knob turner also works on water faucet knobs that are X-shaped. Rubber-cup surfaces work best on round knobs. Typically they have a slightly tacky surface that grips the knob to turn it.

Key Turners

A specialized type of knob turner is a key turner. Key turners have one or more slots into which keys are fitted and held in place with a screw. The grip is usually pistol-shaped.

Turning Door Key Turners

Knob turners are intended for individuals to own and carry with them to use whenever needed. The 1994 Americans with Disabilities Act does require public accommodations to provide grip assistance, but usually these take the form of permanently-installed lever-type or hands-free doorknobs or faucet handles, not portable individual devices. Most knob turners require very little if any maintenance. Try washing them occasionally with dish detergent to keep it clean and maintain the grip.

Prices of knob turners vary from less than $10 to around $40, depending on the design, materials, and construction. Knob turners are an inexpensive way to make many daily tasks easier for persons with limited hand function.

Equipment For Down Syndrome Children

Filed under Disability, Handicap Equipment

It takes a lot of hard work to raise children, as well as patience and dedication. Caregivers are charged with the task of ensuring the safety and good health of a child. The task becomes more difficult when that child has Down syndrome. Whether the need is emotional or physical, helpful equipment can ease the job of caring for special needs children. Adapted programs and equipment designed for those afflicted with Down syndrome can provide a more enjoyable active life.

Boosting Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Down syndrome can sometimes cause underdeveloped cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and poor muscle strength. An aerobic training program incorporating ergometers (exercise bikes that measure the amount of work that a person has done), has gained a lot of attention in increasing cardiovascular fitness. Prices range anywhere from $50 to $1,000.00 and up depending on product specifications.

Improving Motor Skills

Many young children with Down syndrome are behind in attaining certain motor skills milestones, such as sitting, standing, walking, rolling and grasping. Progress varies with some achieving these milestones early and others developing at a slower pace. There are special toys on the market to help improve motor skills and their tactile experiences. Most are priced reasonable under $10. They help with a range of skills and encourages physical, visual and auditory exploration. Some are even calming to the child.

Balance Issues

Balance problems can be disruptive while learning to walk. Helping walking equipment can benefit the child with these difficulties. Other helpful equipment for balance issues include walkers, crutches, canes, or more complex devices with seating available in the frame for the child who easily tires. Walking equipment can cost anywhere from $150.00 on up.

Therapists have suggested that standing for a portion of a day improves balance and strengthens leg muscles. Standers are built for these particular issues. They are made for all ages and can be easily adjusted as the child grows. A worktable can be attached to allow the student to perform classroom activities while standing. Standing equipment is priced anywhere from $700.00 to $2,500.00.

Chew Tubes

Down syndrome children are sometimes hampered while developing oral motor functions for chewing and biting skills. To strengthen these skills, a chew tube has shown promise as an innovative oral motor device. It provides a flexible, chewable material for the practicing of chewing and biting skills. These tubes go for $6.50 to $8.00.