THINGS are picking up for 10-year-old Zoe Carter.
The youngster has a rare genetic condition known as HSP which means her muscles don’t work properly and she is unable to walk.
However, Wokingham-based Zoe is one of the first people in Berkshire to receive a specially designed gadget which helps her pick things up while sitting in her wheelchair.
The grabber has been designed by the charity Remap which produces gadgets and equipment for people with disabilities and special needs where there are no suitable alternatives.
Mum Alice Carter said: “Zoe has never been able to walk, and has very little strength in her hands, which means that grabbers which are available on the market and which require finger power to operate are just useless.
“Remap’s engineers have made her an electrically operated grabber, which has literally changed her life. She uses the grabber every day for everything, and thinks the bit of independence it gives her is fantastic. We are so pleased.”
Remap is hoping to expand its service into Berkshire. Items which are specially designed for the user include a long-reach window opener, a device for getting tablets out of a blister pack, and a modification of motorised wheelchair controls for someone with limited hand and arm movement.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Some projects are simple, others extremely challenging but all can make a real difference to the recipient’s quality of life.
“This service is provided free of charge and is delivered entirely by volunteers. Our volunteers are experienced engineers or craftsmen with access to a wide variety of skills and expertise. We work with health professionals and special educational needs staff to make sure that the equipment provided safely meets individual situations.”