332 chapter 36
Feeding aids for a child with no hand use
clothespin or
carved wood
nail
hole through
clothespin
slightly bigger
than nail
Put a rubber band or clip
on the spoon handle to
keep spoon from slipping
in clothespin.
small nails to
limit how far
clothespin can
rotate
post
block
of wood
hole that can be
filled with lead to
make the base heavy
(Heat lead in an old
pan or can and pour
it into the hole.)
strips of tire tube
to prevent slipping
Pick up food holding
spoon in mouth.
Slip spoon into
clothespin.
With the lips, turn
clothespin so that
spoon enters mouth.
Note: If other children laugh at the child’s awkwardness, let him practice alone
until he gains some skill.
Children with no use of their arms
can feed themselves by lowering
their mouths to their food. It helps if
the plate can be lifted nearer to the
face. A pot like this helps to stabilize
the plate. If the plate has a rounded
bottom, the child can tip it bit by bit
as it is emptied.
A rack allows
the child to
drink from a
cup that he
can tip with
his mouth.
Or simply
use a straw.
Use your imagination to think of many other ways to help
the disabled child eat and do other things for herself.
Disabled village Children