The challenge

Our client has multiple sclerosis and has suffered from the condition for 50 years, and it affects her co-ordination. In this case, the problem was an inability to finely control the position of the joystick on her electric wheelchair which then results in jerky operation. Even at the slowest of the 4 selectable speeds available, she still felt out of control with it as she tends to use the joystick either full on or off.

The solution

Our solution was to create a restrictor mainly from recycled materials, with three carefully machined polythene interchangeable inserts, to provide a surface against which the joystick can be pressed, without the excessive speed.   Other options such as changes to chair gearing, or attempting to modify the electronic control were ruled out as being too invasive.

The benefit

This simple gadget markedly improved the level of control and confidence for our client.