Taking up a challenge

For the last 60 days, teams of design experts, scientists and innovators have been working round the clock to create affordable gadgets and assistive devices that aim to make the differently abled more independent and self-reliant. The results of their efforts will be unveiled in Bengaluru today.

The project, "Enable Makeathon", was initiated by the International Committee of the Red Cross along with the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and the Association of People with Disability India, among others, and is envisioned as the launching pad for creating latest generation devices to assist those with locomotor disabilities.

Here are some of the prototypes that will be revealed today:

"ON THE GO" is an adjustable crutch for persons with disabilities. Designed by "Sparsh" from Bengaluru, it is intended to help people with special needs perform everyday tasks such as picking up a glass of water from a table or sitting on a toilet seat.

  "MY ABILITY KIT" is an innovative set of assistive devices for persons with limited hand movements who find it difficult to paint and to grip objects. Created by NekDesigns from Delhi, the devices enable the person to perform activities of daily living independently like feeding or eating, drinking, brushing teeth, shaving, combing, writing, typing on the keyboard or on the touch pad screen. The kit can be carried in a small box.

"HANDSFREE FIT" is an independent dressing apparatus for upper limb amputees. Designed by ROMP (Range of Motion Project) team, the device is a fully mechanical, body-powered solution that allows the upper-limb amputees to load and don clothing independently. It is low-cost and can be made anywhere in the world, including rural locations.

"TRIKE" is an electric mobility scooter that can be operated by people with disabilities without anyone's assistance. Designed by Nappinnai from Chennai, it has a battery that functions for nearly 50 km. Seats with removable hand rests and 360 degrees swivel action make it easier for the person to shift onto the scooter without much trouble.