Paper Cutting Device to Aid Individuals With Limited Hand Coordination
By Reish, Andrew; McLeod, Travis; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Study conducted to design a device to allow a five-year-old girl with athetoid cerebral palsy to cut paper safely and independently. Athetoid cerebral palsy limits her muscle tone, and makes reaching, grasping, and other skills requiring coordinated movements difficult. The client normally required someone to hold the paper, as well as stabilize a pair of pushdown tabletop scissors so that she could cut. The client needed a device to hold the paper in a cutting position, and also needed a less strenuous and more stable method of cutting. The device consists of a paper-holding fixture and a pair of mounted electric scissors. A detailed diagram is presented. Initial evaluations proved that the device was safe, aesthetic, durable, portable, and nonrestrictive. The authors conclude that the device will help the child to complete class assignments that involve cutting paper, and will provide hours of fun while boosting her self-esteem.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
