The Tetra Society Creates Much-needed Assistive Devices
INSIDER TIP:
If the assistive device you need does not yet exist then submitting a request to the all-volunteer Tetra society could be your solution.
 Have a unique problem that's turning an everyday task into a chore or more? An all-volunteer corps of engineers could have a solution. Some tasks, such as the activities of daily living, can become more difficult for the aging to perform without assistance. This is doubly true for those with disabilities and limited mobility. When an off-the-shelf solution isn't available, these limitations, unfortunately, become a part of life, and in turn, restrict the freedom to live as independently as possible.
The Tetra Society of North America is a non-profit organization devoted to making a difference in our lives by removing these restrictions. Maintaining the core belief "that people are not handicapped by their disabilities but by obstacles or barriers in their living environment," it organizes and unites engineers, designers and homecare volunteers to create solutions to problems not addressed by currently available products.
Tetra's past projects are listed on their Web site and run the gamut from personal care to recreational and vocational aids—and have included creating a golf club for a person with limited grip strength, modifying a walker for height, a specialized phone that can be accessed by a person in bed, tilted TV set for watching while on one's side, modified musical instruments and easels for mouth-painting. Volunteers work with clients on a personal basis to create one-of-a-kind assisted living tools, both portable and based in the home, to restore ease of use and increase quality of life.
If you have a problem and you've tried to find a solution on the commercial market with no success, submit your case to the Tetra Society using their online Request for Assistance Form. Tetra's services are free to the client, whose only costs are materials and the incidental expenses of the volunteer. The Tetra Society has numerous chapters throughout North America.
Refresher: The Tetra Society of North America may be able to create a specialized solution to a problem you face every day.
Extra Credit:
Find out what is out there to help you: browse our articles on Home Modification or read previous editions of The Weekly Insider with everything from high-tech to low-tech solutions.
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Online Party Time!
Caregiving.com is throwing a party—an online Progressive Party from April 17 to the 24. The party consists of stopping by the blogs of family caregivers to drop off well-wishes, spreading a hopeful and encouraging message. The Progressive Party, whose attendees include anyone from individual caregivers to national companies, brings together people from all aspects of caregiving to let everyone know about resources that can help them in their individual situations. Want to join the party? All you need to do is:
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