Tasks I have completed: putting on a watch, zipping up a jacket, and tying a shoe. While completing these tasks, I struggled a lot. Therefore, I wanted to look into strategies/best practices for accomplishing these everyday tasks. There are a variety of options people can look into: Firstly, there are products made for amputees, such as the belt listed below that allow you to complete the task one handed. Secondly, there are a variety of “how-to” videos explaining how to properly do these tasks listed. Thirdly, there are websites that amputees can refer to as an outlet on dealing with accomplishing tasks one handedly. In my experience, it was frustrating not being able to put on a watch with one hand or get the jacket to zip up without subconsciously trying to use my other arm. Thankfully, there are many options people have in order to be happy and complete these tasks successfully. Some of the ways I have mentioned are listed below in my research.
Research on tasks team are focusing on:
Zipping up a jacket:
Products available, like this one from Under Armor.
https://www.fastcodesign.com/3019897/ingenious-zipper-lets-you-zip-with-one-hand
(http://www.livingonehanded.com/how-to-zip-a-coat-one-handed)
Putting on Jewelry:
Tools used in making jewelry for amputees.
(http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/tools-for-a-person-with-difficulty-using-hand)
Putting on a belt:
Products/services are available for amputees, such as this belt.
(https://www.caregiverproducts.com/myself-belts.html)
Putting in contacts:
“Man with NO HANDS can put in contact lenses faster than you! Amputee displays incredible dexterity and refusal to be held back by his disability”
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4285320/Man-NO-HANDS-impressively-contact-lenses.html#ixzz571EXpcVG
Putting on clothes:
(https://www.thewrightstuff.com/one-handed-dressing-aids)
Instruction manuals are available, such as this one.
https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/ButtonUpShirt1Hand.pdf
Tying your shoes:
Instruction manuals available, such as this one.
https://www.stjude.org/treatment/patient-resources/caregiver-resources/patient-family-education-sheets/rehabilitation/one-handed-shoe-tying.html
“Quick shoe lace”
http://www.core77.com/posts/59734/A-Brilliant-One-Handed-Shoelace-Tying-System
Examples of resources/outlets people can attend to:
http://www.rdash.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DP4519-One-handed-activities-web.pdf
http://www.oandplibrary.org/alp/chap30-01.asp
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/military-instep/reclaiming-independence.html
https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/PulloverShirt1Hand.pdf
https://www.stjude.org/treatment/patient-resources/caregiver-resources/patient-family-education-sheets/rehabilitation.html