A CAVERSHAM teenager is ready for his travels after some help from Berkshire engineeers.
Davina Turnbull had been struggling to keep her children safe in car journeys, causing her family a logistical challenge when it came to getting around.
Her oldest son George, 14, suffers with a rare brain abnormnality which causes mental, physical, medical and behavioural difficulties, especially when he is anxious or travelling.
Sitting in the back of the car next to his younger siblings, Harry, 10, and Amelie, 7, meant they were unsafe. But sitting in the front passenger seat was a recipe for continuous driver distraction.
Ms Turnbull said: “For years I’d wanted to create a simple dividing screen for the rear seats, but I couldn’t find anything suitable to buy, and didn’t have the knowledge of what plastics were safe.
“It had got to the stage when I couldn’t take my three children out in the same car.”
That’s when Remap Berkshire stepped in. The charity’s volunteer MakeAbility engineers design and create free bespoke equipment and gadgets for people with a special need or disability where nothing suitable is available commercially.
Volunteer John Williams designed and made a 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate screen to fit between the individual rear seats, keeping George apart from his brother and sister.
It didn’t require any fittings, as Mr Williams designed the screen to be clamped in place by the seats.
Car journeys went from dangerous, to giggles and fun, said Ms Turnbull.
“I am thrilled, relieved and very grateful to Remap, who give up their time to help people in need of equipment that just doesn’t exist to buy,” she said. “They really go above and beyond. Wow, wow, and wow again.”
There are eight Remap MakeAbility engineers in the Reading area.
They solve problems for clients of all ages, with some of their creations including long-reach window openers, bespoke access ramps, washroom access steps. More complex projects are often worked through in consultation with occupational therapists or physiotherapists.
All gadgets and equipment are provided for free.
To find out more, contact Remap case officer Robert Monk on 07790 127123 or email: berks.caseofficer@remapgroups.org.uk
