330 chapter 36
Homemade equipment to help eating
A plate with steep sides makes eating easier for the child who uses only one arm.
When that arm is very weak, it helps if the dish is low on one side and high on the
other, to push food against.
This boy, whose arms and
hands are paralyzed,
lifts his spoon by
raising and lowering his
shoulder. His forearm
is on the table edge, so
that when he lowers
his elbow, his hand
lifts.
A non-slip mat
under the plate
can be made
from strips of
tire tube woven
over a stiff wire
frame.
The spoon slips
into a leather or
rubber (tire tube)
hand band. (Also,
see p. 577.)
Velcro
(or buckle)
The special plate can
be made from a small
plastic bucket.
To prevent slipping,
you can glue (with a
waterproof glue) strips of
tire tube on the bottom.
A non-spill cup holder can be
made using 2 plastic bottles.
Fill space
between
containers
with fine
sand, plaster,
or cement.
Spoon handles for easy gripping
Or, glue a plate
or tin to the
bottom of the cup.
Seal with wax or
waterproof glue.
tin
Tortilla or chapati holder
tortilla
rubber
tube
rubber
ball
strip of tire
tube (wrapped)
piece of wood
old tool
handle
cut off
spoon
bend the handle
to fit the
child’s grip
From UPKARAN Manual.
(See p. 642.)
From UPKARAN Manual.
(See p. 642.)
Disabled village Children