Category: Uncategorized (Page 5 of 5)

Tadvic was approached to find a way that a bilateral finger amputee (i.e. no fingers on either hand) could cut cheese, tomato etc for a sandwich.

We built several prototypes.

Then we found a suitable commercial knife that could be held between both palms

The Stirex knife is primarily for arthritic clients.

A physical test is the only way to work out what does and what doesn’t work.

Tadvic is willing to build simple prototypes to explore possibilities – but is happy when a client finds an existing commercial solution.

Sometimes the simplest is the best.

Our client uses a Zimmer frame. His toilet door had been previously altered to open out rather than in to the toilet, to allow enough space to turn around in the toilet. However this meant he could not reach the opened door to close it.

The solution was a sturdy cord (a motor mower starter cord) tied to the door handle and the other end was hung over an existing wall mounted safety rail. A small wooden ball was added to this end to keep the cord from sagging.

Once inside the toilet and facing the door our client can pull the cord to close the door.
On exit he is able to get close enough to the closed door to open it in the normal way.

Our client has cerebral palsy. She sometimes has trouble sleeping and is soothed by playing a CD. Her mother bought her a new CD player.

Tadvic was asked to provide a large wall mounted button so our client could start a CD playing in the dark. It was confirmed that the CD player automatically plays a pre-loaded CD when powered on.

Tadvic took a commercial Arlec controlled power outlet with wireless remote control (under $20) and built a cradle to hold the remote and operate it by large overlayed buttons.

For the technical minded. The CD player came with an infrared remote control, however this type requires the remote to be pointed at the device with an uninterrupted line of sight – which could not be achieved with a wall mounted remote. The wireless remote is not dependent on line of sight and can work through and around obstacles.

Tadvic was asked to produce a combination roller knife/fork for one handed use (eg stroke or trauma victim).

We found a product sold in the US by a television marketing company – but they are no longer available. We also found a US/Canada health supplier – with a discontinued product. We could place a special order with a Chinese manufacturer with a minimum order of 2000 units.

So instead we made our own from a pizza cutter and a fork.

They work well for sausages, pies, vegetables etc but struggle with a tough steak.

We built two models – one for left hand and the other for right hand use.

The client has paraplegia resulting from a traumatic spinal cord injury. He lives in a rented house with an older style deep bath. He tried a commercial Bath Transfer Bench (over the side of the bath with 2 legs inside and 2 legs outside the bath), but it was too high to transfer from his wheelchair.

Tadvic modified the bench so 4 legs were within the bath and the bench was level with the top of the bath. Cross arms were added under the seat to stabilise the bench against the sides of the bath. Soft rubber was added to cover the transfer edge of the bath. The original vinyl covered seat and back panels were retained but dyed black at the request of the client.

Welcome to the new Tadvic. We incorporated as a not-for-profit association on 30 August 2016.

Our founders are a group of volunteers and clients of another organisation who feel we can better address client’s needs with a fresh approach. We have extensive experience in designing, making and modifying equipment for people living with a disability.

We are client focussed. We recognise the financial challenges faced by many of our clients and aim to meet their needs at minimal cost to them and governments. Our volunteers contribute their time for no cost. We establish relationships with external suppliers who may supply materials at discount prices.

We like to partner existing support groups – avoiding duplication of services.