Team “Chairway to Heaven” created an umbrella extension for Bhumit’s wheelchair that was able to extend to its full length or close to a collapsible unit. Utilizing a magnetic attachment on his wheelchair, the spherical umbrella hood could stay secured and cover Bhumit entirely while it rains. In addition to this lightweight and ergonomic invention, it could be removed at any time for the sunny days in California and reattached with ease.
The challenge was to create a universal umbrella device that will be able to accompany and accommodate wheelchair users. This umbrella device should be easily retractable and deflatable, therefore Bhumit can motor his wheelchair without having to hold an umbrella as well.
Unfortunately, although there have been a lot of technological advancements in our time, there seems to be no solution or devices specifically for those in wheelchairs to complete simple obstacles. Bhumit Shah is our 35 years old need-knower, who was born with cerebral palsy, which is a lifelong neurological disorder that impairs mobility so in his unique case, he must use a wheelchair. Since he must operate a wheelchair with one arm, that only leaves another free to carry objects.
An open-source assistive technology project shared free by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.
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