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Telestik – Portable Grabber

Telestik Portable Grabber – Guest post from Eleanor Lisney

We spotted this useful and interesting review of a telescopic portable grabber from Eleanor Lisney on twitter. Eleanor runs a market stall boutique on Coventry Market. She sells products that she has personally tried and tested for their usefulness and quality. If you are ever that way, please say hello to her. She is very friendly person who knows a thing or too about disability!

Here we are pleased to guest post Eleanors review of the Telestik:

Eleanor runs a Living Aid Boutique Stall at Coventry Market, pop by and say Hi!

“I am always excited when new stock arrive. Today is no exception, Mr G’s Batty sock and stocking aid arrived (he wanted something to help him put on his socks) and Mrs C’s foam handle for the knork as well. However I have also ordered some telestiks. I’ve never seen anybody with them before. I originally look them up for Donna because her mobile kept falling on the floor and it was difficult to get it up again. But they look so useful I had no hesitation in opening one up  for myself.

 

telestix.jpg

Telestik

I had great fun trying it out on picking up keys. credit cards, pieces of paper. But best of all I could put it on a strap accessory and hang it on my wheelchair along with my brolly. Now I know that when I am out I won’t have to worry if I drop things when I am on my own. I wished I had it with me the other day when I dropped a pound coin but there was no one around for me to ask for help. My grabber is a bit too unwieldy to carry around on my wheelchair.

 

this is what the manufacturers say –

 

TeleStik® is the newly designed portable reacher that does what the others don’t. TeleStik® allows you to retrieve hard-to-reach items without requiring significant grip strength or dexterity. And it gets in tighter places than other reachers because of its sleek design and clever sticking mechanisms.

If you suffer from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any other condition that makes it difficult to operate a traditional reacher, TeleStik® is your answer.

For those tight squeezes, like behind the desk where there’s no room to open and close a claw, TeleStik® will fish your telephone or computer line, where the others can’t.

 

Here is the video which I found interesting because I’ve not seen anyone with one here before.

 

 

 

 

It says that it’s for people who cannot use ordinary grabbers but I am beginning to love mine and I am already thinking up new uses for it and its going everywhere with me!”

This type of  Telestik portable grabber looks much better than the handi reacher that we reviewed a few months back. It looks very easy to use and the range of attachments increases it’s versatility. It is available from Eleanors Coventry Market stall but also on Amazon for those of us that cannot easily visit Coventry Market!

High-Tech Helpers: Robot Vacuum Cleaners

High-Tech Helpers: Robot Vacuum Cleaners

iRobot Roomba


The advancement of technology continues to speed off at an alarming rate and as each new product is developed, there are new ways that people living with disabilities can gain independence and fulfilment from their lives with less support from others. Now, the development of robotics has been seen more in sci-fi movies and books but it’s not longer a thing of the past, innovative robot vacuum cleaners have been developed and are available for general purchase.
Robot vacuum cleaners are a development which could significantly help those living with disabilities who find the general vacuum cleaner too heavy, too difficult to grip or have problems with bending and stretching. Rather than relying on support from carers or family, a robot vacuum cleaner can do the job for you on its own.

Samsung vs iRobot

vacuum cleaners robot

Samsung Navibot

There are two main brands of robot vacuum cleaner on the market and both have their advantages and disadvantages. This video shows in depth which model benefits from which qualities and also their strengths and weaknesses:

As the video shows the iRobot Roomba is the original design, complete with all the features you think you may need in a robot vac but then along comes the Samsung NaviBot.

Now, the Navibot seems to be a newer, more technically advanced and highly developed model but on testing, it’s possible to see how both products have their strengths and how according to CNET the original design is much stronger than the new, apparently more technically advanced development.
The Navibot is fantastic for thorough and in depth cleaning and it’s vision mapping technology means it knows where it’s already been and won’t spin in circles but it does struggle with obstacles. The Roomba may take a little more time to get things done and may keep going over the same spot but the job will get done and the original technology proves to be superior in most instances.
If you’re interested in finding out more about either product, click in the boxes below:

Low-Tech Lifesavers: One Handed Scissors

Low-Tech Lifesavers: One Handed Scissors

Using one table top scissors using only one hand

One handed scissors can be pushed down on a level tabletop

Table top or one handed scissors are a great rethink on an everyday item. There are some household items which can be so difficult to use if you have certain disabilities. But ordinary items can be made more easy to use with clever ‘design for all‘ thinking such as these toothpaste tubes and cutlery that have been previously discussed on this site. This is just the beginning, Scissors for example can be very difficult to use if you have poor dexterity, experience tremors or have weakened grip but there is an item available which removes all these problems.

Push-down One Handed Scissors are extremely lightweight and activated by pushing down on the top lever, causing the cutting motion and removing the need to hold the scissors altogether. This product is extremely innovative but also very simple and once you’ve pushed down on the ‘T’ shaped top lever, the scissors’ spring will reopen them automatically when you release it. They can be used on a level surface and are often also caused tabletop scissors.

Whether you need to cut wrapping paper, use them for a crafting hobby or just need kitchen scissors, this product is for you. They are supplied with a blade guard to keep them safe and they can be used for wrapping by keeping the paper flat and manoeuvring the scissors or vice versa. The design is perfect for keeping on your kitchen counter used one handed whenever you need them.

Using one handed scissor on a table top

Table Top Scissors with secure base so that they can be used one handed

There are a range of different models available; some even come with a mounted plastic base to allow for further safety and to keep the product stable. A pair of these scissors removes the annoying difficulty of trying to use conventional scissors or relying on others.

If you’re interested in purchasing some one handed table top scissors click here to see the Peta-UK range available from Trabasack.com

 

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