Grippers

"DO IT YOURSELF" ENTRY --- PURPOSE: To enable individuals with grasping and other upper extremity disabilities to grasp items such as pens, pencils, toothbrushes, paintproushes, etc. Gripping objects that have small diameter handles, like pens, spoons, toothbrushes can be difficult for people with fine motor disabilities. There are many ways to adapt those items so they can be used. Sme objects that can be used to enlarge a device handle and make it easier to hold include a 35 millimeter film container, an empty prescription bottle, a tennis ball, a whiffle golf ball, tubular foam pipe insulation, a bicycle handle grip, a sponge hair roller, and polymer clay. Objects can be placed in the pill or film containers or the bicycle handle grip. If the object move too much anchor tt by placing playdough or modeling clay in the bottom of the container If a prescription bottle is used, try the various sizes and decide which feels the best. Using a pair of scissors, snip off the safety clasp on the bottle portion. File smooth if necessary. To make holes in a tennis ball, use an Exacto knife or punch to start the holes and then use the pointed end of a pair of scissors to widen the opening. Foam rollers usually have holes at both ends, allowing them to slide over the handle. The insulation and the polymer clay wrap around the handles. TOOLS: Exacto knife, scissors, an a file, depending on the adaptation used. SKILLS REQUIRED: Basic shop skills. TITLE: Grippers. WEB SITE: TechConnect, Illinois Assistive Technology Project at http://www.iltech.org . REF: Ten Dollar Tech Ideas. TechConnect, Illinois Assistive Technology Project, can also be contacted at 1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100, Springfield, Illinois 62701; 800-852-5110 voice/TTY, IL only; 217-522-7985 voice; 217-522-9966 TTY; 217-522-8067 Fax.