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Case studies

MERU designs and manufactures a wide range of products for children and young people with a variety of requirements. The following case studies illustrate some of the solutions we have made, and the benefits to each child and their families or carers.

Communication and control

Rachel

Nine-year-old Rachel cannot communicate without her communication aid, which she operates by pressing a switch. She was having difficulty keeping her arms in a position where she could press it in a controlled manner, and this was affecting her ability to communicate. MERU made Rachel a secure and comfortable support for her wheelchair tray. She can now move her arms into place and communicate independently whenever she chooses. The ‘Barbie-pink stars’ design came about from a combination of Rachel’s requests and our designers' ingenuity. Her teachers and carers tell us she loves using it!

Bashir

In order to operate his communication aid, Bashir needed a way to press a switch consistently. However, he experiences wide variations in muscle tone and strength from day to day, and the only consistent movement was with his cheek. Our engineers mounted a very light-touch switch into a flexible head band of the type worn by pop stars to hold their microphones when on stage. The designers called the device the ‘smile switch’, as a testament to Bashir’s cheerful grin! Similar designs are being developed to allow more children like Bashir to benefit.

Stacey

Stacey uses a communication aid, which needs to be positioned just above her lap for her to be able to use it comfortably. Sometimes, though, it gets in the way of other activities, such as eating or writing, and she previously had to rely on other people to move it for her. MERU created a specialised metal bracket that is attached to Stacey’s wheelchair. This holds the communication aid directly in front of her, and now she can pull it towards her or push it away at will. It also features a detachable hinge, so the communicator can be completely removed when required.

Early years mobility – the Bugzi effect!

Aaron

When he was just 18 months old Aaron Cowan, who has cerebral palsy, was one of the first children to receive a Bugzi – MERU’s powered wheelchair especially designed for children aged from one to five years. Adapted to his particular needs, Aaron’s Bugzi is driven by push-button control. Now aged four, he uses it frequently at home and at playgroup. As his mother, Nicola Cowan, says: “It is still a joy to see Aaron smile when he is put in his Bugzi… it has given him so much more in life.”

Lifestyle assistance

Scott and Craig

MERU designed and manufactured a special ‘supermarket trolley’ that enables Scott and Craig’s mother to take her two disabled sons shopping. The trolley clips to the back of their double buggy and shopping can be put into it. It makes life much easier, and the boys have the opportunity to join in this important family activity.

Meena

MERU created a set of specially designed steps that enable a young girl with restricted growth to use her primary school toilets and basins independently and without assistance, building independence and dignity.

Caitlin

This sloping writing table was designed for a young girl with a disabling neck condition. Made from iridescent purple aluminium, it provides comfort when writing at school and at home – and is a cool style statement too!

Matthew

MERU was asked by Matthew’s Occupational Therapist to devise a way that he could take a bath safely and independently. Matthew has Tourette Syndrome and experiences powerful and unpredictable ‘tics’. He had injured himself on the side of the bath and his family and support staff were very concerned for his safety. Our solution involved upholstering his bath and adjacent wall with soft, waterproof and hygienic foam. Matthew is delighted with the innovation but is now reliant on us to keep his bath liner in good repair, and maintained to meet his changing needs.
“It was a complete nightmare before. Matthew had fractured his skull in the bath and lost all confidence. With MERU’s help he was able, once more, to relax at the end of the day. Goodness knows what we would have done without it!” Matthew’s mum.

Please note – some names have been changed to protect individuals’ privacy.

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