Last week I attended a special School to meet and film one of the students that we have helped give independence and freedom of movement to through the provision of a technical arm support. 

Despite being a lively and enthusiastic pupil, Sarah’s hereditary condition, characterised by muscle weakness and poor control of movement, severely restricts her from participating in educational activities at her special school. 

DEMAND designed and made an articulating arm. The arm attaches to a custom made mount on Sarah’s wheelchair, which balances the weight of her arm, allowing her to reach and handle objects more easily.  The arm now enables Sarah to fully participate in music and art classes.

As well as improving Sarah’s education, the articulated arm is also therapeutically beneficial.  Sarah has a brother and sister who attend the same school and all three have been sharing the arm and have received the same benefits.  We have since made a second arm as it proved to be such an enlightening experience for all.  Although, their classes have sometimes clashed, the School have managed to split the time as equally between them, so that they can all actively participate in their lessons.

However, whilst on my visit I discovered that the eldest, Zubair is moving on to further education in the Autumn, which will mean that he will no longer be able to share with his brother and sister.  Having seen how the Technical support arms have transformed each of their lives, we are actively fundraising for a Support Arm for Zubair.