Digest Autumn 2015
D
GEST
Disability Information Service – Autumn 2015
In This Issue…





















Latest Gadgets
Preparing for Autumn
Family Court
Great Grips
Sumo Walking Sticks
Four Star Golf Cruiser
NZSL Taster Classes
Something for the Future
South Community Mental
Health Team
CRASH3 Protective
Headgear
Soft-Wheels
Rubber Threshold Ramps
Tri-Ride
FireFly
Doubleton Cardholders
U-Step II Walking
Stabilizer
Everyday made easier
Blog
Alber Twion Wheels
Bio Cleaning Products
E-Move Power assist
Wheel
MAX Powerchair
Thank You for Your
Funding Support:







Ministry of Health
NZ Lotteries Grants Board
COGS
Otago Community Trust
Lion Foundation
A.C.E. Shacklock
Charitable Trust
Latest Gadgets
Earlier in the year there was a series of “Show Your Ability” expos
held around New Zealand. On display are all kinds of equipment
including: wheelchairs - shower stools – stairlifts - powered
wheelchairs - portable ramps - paediatric seating systems – walking
aids - mobility scooters - hoists - daily living equipment - pressure
mattresses - specialised seating - hi/lo beds - standing frames disability information - vehicle modifications - lo rise lifts
The expos highlighted that there has been some really good
gadgets and equipment designed to make life easier come on the
market recently. So we thought we would feature some of them in
this edition.
Where possible we have listed the agent who would be the best to
contact for further information.
Preparing for Autumn
As weather is getting colder many of us will be starting to use our
home heating systems and appliances for the first time in quite a
few months. When was the last time your heating system was
checked by a professional? Is your electric blanket getting worn
and is it still safe?
If your heating system uses a chimney or flue you should ensure
they are kept clean and well maintained.
If you use a gas powered system, did you know that every year
about 14 people in the UK die from carbon monoxide poisoning
caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly
installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health. It is
recommended that you should have your gas appliances checked
at least every 12 months by a qualified person who also holds an
appropriate licence.
Remember when using electric heaters not to overload sockets.
Now that your home is ready how about yourself?
Have you had your flu injection? What about vitamin D? Discuss
these with your GP or health specialist.
Use a wheelchair? Then get the tire pressures checked regularly
as the pressure goes down as the temperature drops.
Digest Autumn 2015
FREE WORKSHOP
FAMILY COURT
‘Navigating’ through the changes.
These seminars will give practioners valuable knowledge on how to support their clients,
break down barriers and empower our vulnerable families.
Social Service Providers Aotearoa and Ebborn Law are inviting providers who deal with domestic violence and the wider
social services and government sector to a workshop to review the changes to the Family Justice System.
Tuesday, 12 May 2015
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cromwell & Districts Presbyterian Church Hall
10 Elspeth Street, Cromwell
Introduced by Merrin Gill
Presented by Erin Ebborn
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Noon – 4:oop.m.
Otago Museum – Barclay Theatre
419 Great King Street, Dunedin
Introduced by Paul Hooper
Presented by Erin Ebborn
Followed by an opportunity to network
Tea, coffee and excellent scones provided
REGISTER NOW… it’s free (but space is limited)!
Website - http://sspa.org.nz/registration
Email - [email protected]
Find out more about…
• Information useful for social service practitioners
• How changes to the Care of Children Act have rolled-out
• The role of lawyers in the Family Court
• An update on the Family Dispute Resolution Service
• New measures around domestic violence, vulnerable children and victims of violence
• A free resource for parents considering the Family Court
Proudly supported by…
Family Law is our Specialty
Digest Autumn 2015
Opening Doors Just Got Easier for Everyone!
“Great Grips” make opening a door with a round
door handle so much easier.
Slip on quickly
Better grip for weak hands
Introducing The World’s
Most Versatile
Walking Stick
The SUMO (Supporting Mobility) walking stick
is unique in that it is a two-in-one walking stick
and reacher
The SUMO provides you with a walking stick
with a claw that can be used to pick up dropped
objects—everything from pills, keys, wallets to
TV remotes.
Great Grips are available from C1 South Ltd
Check out their web site and YouTube Clip
http://www.c1south.co.nz/shop/gripping-aids/109great-grips.html
The Four Star Golf Cruiser
The patented release button on SUMO means
you can switch between walking stick, reacher
and travel modes with ease, and the nifty
magnet on the foot can be used to pick up
dropped keys, coins, hairpins and much more.
The Four Star Golf Cruiser is a state of the art
electric personal vehicle. It has been designed and
built with golf in mind. Small, nimble, light &
powerful, the Four Star Golf Cruiser allows golfers
to cruise around the fairways and greens with ease
and comfort.
Giving individual golfers the
opportunity to remain mobile and increase their
speed of play.
http://www.electricvehiclesenzed.co.nz/
Even different heights are no problem with the
two different models (short and tall) both with
adjustable heights.
To see the videos of the Sumo walking stick in
action or to make further enquiries go to SUMO
– Supporting Mobility’s wensite:
http://www.supportingmobility.com/
Digest Autumn 2015
Register now for a FREE 45 minute New Zealand Sign Language
(NZSL) Taster Classes
Have fun learning signs you can use every day with your friends, colleagues and
family!
To celebrate NZSL Week 2014 (Monday 4th to Sunday 10th May 2015!), Deaf Aotearoa is giving
schools, healthcare professionals, businesses and organisations the opportunity to get a taste of NZSL
during the month of May.
Learn some introductory NZSL in a fun way. For businesses and organisations, it’s a great team building
activity and for schools, a great way to hook kids into discovering more!
Your participation will improve the access, advancement and awareness of Deaf people in New Zealand
and contribute to celebrating NZSL, one of New Zealand’s official languages.
To register go to the link: https://deafaotearoa.wufoo.com/forms/z180f6wn1h1cdke/
Something for the Future
Robotics Experts Developing 'Smart Trousers' That May Someday
Replace Wheelchairs, Stairlifts
The disabled and elderly who have problems with their mobility may soon have a new option that could
help them move around. A team of robotics experts from the U.K is developing a version of the "Wrong
Trousers," which was depicted by Wallace and Gromit.
In the 1993 stop-motion animated short film "The Wrong Trousers" directed by Nick Park, Wallace was
trapped in a pair of "Techno Trousers." The smart pants, which was formerly owned by NASA, carried him
off to steal a prized diamond. The idea of a smart trouser could well be used in helping individuals who are
weak and have difficulty moving.
Jonathan Rossiter, from the University of Bristol who is part of the team developing the technology said that
the project is the first time that soft robotics technology is being used for addressing many healthcare and
rehabilitation needs in a single wearable device.
He pointed out that many of the existing devices that individuals who have mobility problems typically use
can cause or even worsen certain health conditions the likes of poor blood circulation, vulnerability to falls
and skin pressure damage.
Rossiter said that wearable soft robotics may alleviate many of these problems and at the same time
reduce the cost of healthcare.
"Wearable soft robotics has the potential to improve many of these problems and reduce healthcare costs
at the same time too," Rossiter said.
The close-fitting smart trouser will make use of artificial muscles that will assist those who have mobility
problems and could eventually replace stairlifts and wheelchairs, which are currently being used by the
disabled and frail elderly to help them move around.
The artificial muscles used by this so called "intelligent clothing" are made up of smart materials and
reactive molecules with plastic-like property that can exert great forces. Control systems will likewise be
incorporated and these will monitor the person who uses clothing and work with the natural muscles of the
body to provide assistance when required.
The system could provide the additional strength a disabled person needs to move between sitting and
standing, help vulnerable individuals avoid falls and make climbing stairs easier. The £2 million project,
which is set to start in July and will take three years, is part of a funding program aimed at supporting the
development of devices for assistive and rehabilitative purposes
By Rhodi Lee, Tech Times | February 24, 7:56 AM
Digest Autumn 2015
Memorandum
All agencies with links to the South Community Mental Health Team
To:
From: Richard Mooney, Clinical Nurse Manager, South Community Mental
Health Team
Date:
Re:
8th April 2015.
South Community Mental Health Team Relocation to Wakari Hospital

The South Community Mental Health Team will relocate from its current premises at 599
Princes Street, Dunedin to the Wakari Hospital site, from the week commencing 18th
May 2015.

The basis for the shift is that a number of years ago the DHB made the decision to
maximise use of its own facilities rather than lease premises unless there were
compelling reasons to do so. In 2014 suitable space became available at Helensburgh
House due to the Southern District Health Board no longer holding the contract for
Behaviour Support Services.

As part of the shift we have negotiated with other services that are community based to
develop more collaborative ways of working and delivering services out in communities.
This includes outpatient appointments being delivered in the community. We are
working very hard to provide a one sector approach with providers working together to
make a difference rather than in isolation to each other. This planning is consistent with
some of the core strategies underpinning Raise Hope – HapaiteTumanako” the
Southern DHB Mental Health and Addiction Strategic Plan 2012-2015.

We have engaged with service users and family members as planning for this move has
progressed. Service Users will also have the option of using the free Wakari shuttle
service to transport them to and from Dunedin Public hospital for their appointments.

We acknowledge that operating from the Wakari Hospital site is a change that may
present some challenges. Please be assured we will closely monitor the situation and
constructively respond to any issues that arise.

Please feel free to contact Richard Mooney, Clinical Nurse Manager on 03 471 8475 or
email [email protected] if you have any queries or concerns.
As of 18th May 2015,the South Community Mental Health Team will be based at;
Helensburgh House, 1st floor
Wakari Hospital
371 Taieri Road
Telephone. 03 4769660
Free phone 0800 443366
Facsimile. 03 4769661
[email protected]
Digest Autumn 2015
Digest Autumn 2015
The Soft Wheel has finally arrived
in New Zealand.
The Soft wheel incorporates a selective suspension mechanism that acts only when an impact above a
certain threshold is encountered. The threshold is pre-set according to user requirements and is easily
changeable.
I was fortunate to trial a pair and found them really great.
I am an active wheelchair user who regularly bounces up
and down kerbs and found these wheels really great.
There was hardly any jolt.
In normal ride on standard floors or pavements, the
suspension mechanism remains static with the wheels
feeling and performing like a normal rigid wheel.
However, when encountering an impact caused by an
obstacle the suspension mechanism comes into play.
This causes a shift of the wheel’s hub from its previously
central location and develops a cushioning effect that
dramatically absorbs and lessens the impact transferred
to the rider.
I recommend that if you are active and like getting out and about contact the team at Mobility Solutions
Centre on 0800 924 247 to give the Softwheels a trial.
The latest product from Able Access are “Easy Axcess
Ramps”.
The Easy Access portable ramps are the ultimate solution in portable ramping. They are lightweight and
durable making them great to take with you.
Available in three sizes:
25mm x 150mm x 200mm
50mm x 150mm x 250mm
100mm x 250mm x 400mm
Check out the able access web site
for their complete range
www.ableaxcess.co.nz
or contact
Mobility Solutions Centre
0800 924 247, the local agent.
Digest Autumn 2015
Convert your Wheelchair into a Powered Chair
There are two models available in N.Z. that clip onto your wheelchair and convert it into power.
“Triride”
To give the “Triride” a trial contact the team at
“The Firefly is an electric handcycle that snaps on to your wheelchair. Go twice as fast and twice as far as a
power wheelchair!”
For further information
or to arrange a trial contact:
Wheel World Products
Quentin Smith
[email protected]
www.wheelworld.co.nz
Have Trouble holding playing Cards?
Check out the Doubleton Cardholders. Designed and made by
persons with limited hand function. Takes standard or large playing
cards.
Contact: Suzanne Hollick [email protected] or
03 9292362 / 027 4787 408. Check out their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doubleton-Cardholders/662779383816199
Digest Autumn 2015
U – Step II – Walking Stabilizer
Designed specifically for neurological conditions
The U-Step 2 Walking Stabilizer was designed specifically to address
the unique needs of those with various neurological conditions,
including: Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Stroke, PSP, Multiple Sclerosis,
Brain Injuries, Balance Disorders,
Laser and Sound Cueing Module
Primarily used by those with Parkinson’s freezing but can be used by
anyone with an irregular gait pattern.
The Laser and Sound Cueing Module can help you get started,
normalise your walking and increase your stride. Simply press the
red button on the handlebar and a bright red laser line is projected on
the floor for you to step over. Turn on the sound feature to set a beat
pattern for walking speed.
Also available is the Laser Cane. The Laser Cane projects a bright red line across your path. The laser
beam is a safe, obstacle-free visual cue, which can enable Parkinson's patients and others to break
'freezing' episodes and increase stride length.
For further information go to http://www.ustep.co.nz/
Limited by Physical Injury or Disability?
everyday made easier blog
An initiative from the School of Occupational Therapy at Otago Polytechnic
Tips and tricks to help you take part in what is important to you.
This site aims to make every day easier by giving you knowledge and tools for planning your daily activities.
You can personalise the information on this site to help you bring enjoyment and balance to your day.
One last thing...
The information on this site is not meant to replace expert advice, and is not aimed at helping with cognitive
problems.
If you are having trouble coping with all you need to do, refer yourself to an occupational therapist, or ask
your GP to make the referral.
http://everydaymadeeasier.blogspot.co.nz/
Digest Autumn 2015
Alber Twion Wheels
Power Assisted Wheelchair Wheels
TWION
The Twion power assist offers new freedom and maximum independence. The electric motors equipped
with leading-edge digital electronics, provide you with extra power for every propelling movement. The
sensor fitted to the hand rim calculates precisely the right amount of support.
The silent direct drive ensures high agility and simple handling.
You are actively on the move and reach your destination
quickly, efficiently and calmly.
Mobility Plus
The Mobility Plus package communications with an Androidenabled smartphone. The app provides information on battery
state, distance travelled, and maps your journey. The app can
also help diagnose potential faults and make contact with the
service team.
Twion is suitable for almost every standard active wheelchair. This means that existing, individually
adapted wheelchairs can normally continue to be used. This is made possible by a small, lightweight
bracket that is simply fitted to the wheelchair frame.
The user-friendly quick release axle system ensures flexible interworking of the manual wheels and the
Twion wheels. This means that the required drive type is available at all times: manual or with E-Power!
Stockist in NZ are Invacare 0800 468 222 www.invacare.co.nz
Bio Pro Cleaning Products
Bio Pro NZ Ltd is a division of C1 South that supplies a range of natural, chemical free products from the
US manufacturer Bio-Pro Research. There products use bio-enzymatic technology with USDA approved
ingredients to provide natural cleaning solutions that work.
Such products include:
Mini LED Urine FInder
The Mini LED Urine Finder by Bio-Pro Research is the ideal tool for locating
hard-to-find urine and other bodily fluids. Most urine deposits are invisible to
the naked eye and unless the urine can be found, the odour will continue to
be a problem. The Urine Finder is ultra-bright and is designed to fluoresce
uric acid, taking the guess work out of cleaning.
Urine Off Odour and Stain Remover
Urine Off Multi-Purpose Odour and Stain Remover by Bio-Pro Research is a
chemical free urine cleaner that uses high-performance bio-enzymatic
technology specifically formulated for the removal of human and pet urine.
Made with USDA certified ingredients. Available in two sizes.
Urine Off is ideal for domestic and commercial use and can be used on new and old stains, fabrics,
furniture, mattresses, carpet, flooring, tiles, toilets, wheelchairs, litter boxes and much more, making it the
‘must have’ cleaning product for your home or workplace.
You can view tips and advice, specials, full range of products, and much more on www.biopronz.co.nz
Digest Autumn 2015
Digest Autumn 2015
Designed and made in New Zealand, the MAX is a fully
seated Segway PT based cross-terrain mobility solution.
It is not for everyone, but if you meet the criteria the Max could
be the liberating and exciting mobility solution for you.
Make no mistake, this is a machine you have to be involved
with - you can’t just stay static and be ferried around like a
package! While it’s easy to ride, you need to meet some
minimum requirements:




You must have some upper body movement
Full control of at least one arm and hand
Be able to transfer to and from your standard wheelchair
weigh more than 35kg, and LESS THAN 100kg
Call 0800 600 155 for info
http://www.bodyelectric.co.nz/bodyelectricpowerchair.html
Daily Living Aids available from the Disability Information Service’s office.
Disability Information Service
Community House, 301 Moray Place, Dunedin
Ph: (03) 471 6152 or 0800 693 342 Fax: (03) 471 6159
Email: [email protected] Web: www.disabilityinfo.co.nz
The views and comments expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or
Disability Information Service