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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 91 JUNE/JULY 2013 £6.95
Design aims to boost wearers’ confidence By Dominic Musgrave
A STUDENT who was inspired to help disabled people after his friend had a leg amputated has constructed an artificial limb which features changeable cover to reflect a person’s mood. Nottingham Trent University undergraduate Jonathan Bradshaw says his design, named Array, will enable people to develop an affinity towards prosthetic limbs as it allows them to choose a cover to reflect their own style. The 23-year-old chose it for his major product design project after he became intrigued by the fact that some amputees use wheelchairs rather than artificial legs as they can dislike how they look. His old school friend, Amy Bosley, who helped Jonathan with his research, had a leg amputated following an illness and also chooses to use a wheelchair rather than use a prosthetic limb. Jonathan said: “There are so many reasons why people choose not to use prosthetic legs. From the research I have done, I've found that appearance is just as important to younger people as comfort and functionality. “It’s my aim to increase the amount of choice that people have so that they can wear different covers for different occasions.
“For instance, people might like to have graphics on their limb for a night out, or have a skin tone cover for a more formal occasion. Others might like to wear a colour which matches their clothes, while some may want one with a leather finish. “Obviously not everyone would want to go for this, but for some people it could really help increase their confidence. It’s a move towards making prosthetic limbs much more consumerorientated.” The prototype features a removable casing system which provides protection to the prosthetic leg’s internal components. Featuring aluminium brackets, the casing clips on and off by hand and has a quick release mechanism. The changeable covers are attached to the casing with press studs and the quick release casing allows people to change the covers with ease by preventing the need to bend down. Amy added: “It gives amputees the option to be individual and to change their leg depending on their mood; a bit like someone would change their shoes to fit what they fancy. The options available at the moment are limited and so any development in prosthetics would be a bonus."
Prince Harry has confirmed that he will be taking part in the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge in November. He will be part of the Team Glenfiddich British team made up of wounded service personnel with physical and mental injuries that will race against their American, Australian and Canadian counterparts in the four-week expedition. His participation in this landmark Antarctic race will mark his most active support of the charity to date. To find out more turn to page 8.