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THE QUEENSLAND INVENTION CHANGING THE LIVES OF PARENTS IN WHEELCHAIRS

Announcement posted by Adoni Media 14 Oct 2020

A Queensland start-up has invented a world first that has the ability to change the lives of mums and dads using wheelchairs.

1 in 6 children in Australia lives with a parent with a disability and, until now, many people in wheelchairs have had no easy way to feed, change or even interact face-to-face with their babies.

 

PWA Mobility has changed that, releasing the first prototype of a device called The Care Station.

 

PWA Mobility spokesperson Adrian Burke said after working closely with leading disability support agency Spinal Life Australia on the development of The Care Station capsule, the organisation is keen to become a longer-term partner of PWA Mobility.

 

“The baby can be placed in The Care Station so the parents can more easily change nappies, interact and connect with their babies, which all help to strengthen the bond between parent and child,” Mr Burke said.

 

Katie Hammond became a paraplegic after an injury almost 20 years ago and during this time has raised three children. She said she personally experienced the need for a product which facilitated spending quality time with her daughters.

 

“When I started feeding with a bottle, I’d hold a bottle in one hand and baby in the other which meant I didn’t have a free hand to push around my wheelchair or reach out and grab other items to assist me,” Ms Hammond said.

 

“The capsule means that you’re still able to be an active part of your child’s life while maintaining safety for the child and independence for the parent.”

 

PWA Mobility conducted extensive consultation with parents with a disability throughout The Care Station’s development and testing. Spinal Life Australia Executive Manager Ross Duncan said the approach taken by PWA showed the organisation cared about creating a product that makes a difference.

 

“We have not seen another product on the market that supports the connection between parent and young children like this. The Care Station will be wonderful for families from mums and dads and their infants, to grandparents and their grandchildren,” Mr Duncan said.

 

“The capsule aligns itself very closely with our pursuit of helping people with disability live independent, empowered and accessible lives. The wider market for the product also includes aged care facilities, hospitals and nursing homes.”

 

A Kickstarter campaign is currently underway to raise funds for the manufacture of The Care Station. A media kit, including fact sheet, images and video available here.


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