Judy: Part II, g.

f. For typing, I use a portable, manual typewriter and find that the strength and range of motion required is an added source of arm therapy.
1). For actually striking the keys, a second cuff made of Velcro, holding a pencil stub - eraser end down, works very well with the strength applied by both hands.
2). Because my letters are usually fairly short, I frequently use note paper which doubles as an envelope when folded and sealed with its own sticker. These are very attractive and hopefully take the sting out of the brevity of the message.
3). For longer projects or whenever more paper is required, we found continuous teletype paper, either in a roll or folded with perforations (Standard Register Co., York, Penna by the name "continuous letterhead - 9 x 11") to be another aid to my independence, since I do not have to keep asking someone for more paper.
4). Also, self-stick labels which come on a roll have been a great time and effort saver when addressing many envelopes, especially for the Christmas card list.

Judy: Part II, f.

1). To make my writing darker and more legible than with a normal pen, I use a felt tip pen such as the Flair by Paper-mate.
2). A regular desk blotter with gummed photo holders arranged at varying intervals, forms a very simple holder to make writing on small pieces of paper, such as checks or envelopes, a little less difficult. I find it sufficient to secure only the top two corners of the envelope, etc. while writing.
3). A book of crossword puzzles used as a warm-up exercise before printing or writing something important, is a handy and painless way of getting the proper muscles co-ordinated.

Judy: Part II, e.

c). Since I use a tape recorder in my work as a medical technologist, we purchased as record, having a remote control switch on the microphone for which my father built a stand incorporating a lever around the switch. With this beside my work area, I can bump the lever on and off a will, dictating comments whenever necessary. (See Appendix I, drawing 4)
d. A timer switch gives me some degree of independence in T.V. viewing or with other appliances. These come in models to turn one or more electrical appliances both on and off or only off, at pre - set times. (Again, Radio Shack)
e. And elastic ankle-wrist athletic cuff with two extra holes cut for inserting a pen, makes a simple device to hold the pen or pencil in a relatively normal position for writing. (Mine is by Baka Mfg. Co., Sharon, Mass. - model #301.) (See Appendix I, drawing 5)

Judy: Part II, d.

2). For holding the receiver while placing calls and talking at greater lengths, I use a commercially sold shoulder-rest on another phone.
3). We also have a phone amplifier which allows a normal home phone to be used as an executive or conference phone. (Available at the Radio Shack - an electronics store with nationwide branches.)
b. A plug-and-talk intercom system is a convenient addition, especially for night time "sick room" monitoring. Plugged into any two household or electrical outlets it gives clear room-to-room, upstairs-downstairs, indoor-outdoor, etc. communications. (Also available at Radio Shack.)

Judy: Part II, b.

2. To allow me as much independence as possible, I also use:
a. A universal cuff, made of Velcro, that can be used to hold such articles as a toothbrush, eating utensil or possibly a comb. (See Appendix I, drawing 2)
b. A special adjustable handle which can be fitted onto a glass and hooked over the hand for drinking. This works best with a tall thermo-plastic tumbler.
c. However, because I drink large quantities of fluid each day, a homemade "drinker" is much handier than consuming one glass at a time. This is nothing more than a quart-sized plastic refrigerator container with a hole in the lid through which is placed an elongated straw. (Two plastic straws with ends telescoped and taped together.)

Judy: Part II, a.

Part II
1 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Living
A. Once situated in the wheelchair or chaise lounge for the day, I need many special devices, adaptations and household arrangements to make any routine activity possible. Before describing my afternoon's schedule, I will try to list and explain most of the self-help equipment involved.
1. Within the house, for my convenience, we have included:
a. A low level light switch on the wall which is easy to reach from a wheelchair.
b. A sink, located next to a door for easy access, which includes an individual control faucet rather than the dual control type. This make is possible for me ot ride to the side of the sink and control the flow and temperature of water with the pressure from only one. hand.
c. A desk, which is elevated on blocks for easy access from a wheelchair and is used for reading, writing and typing projects.
d. A large elevated dining counter, with plenty of leg room underneath, is for mealtimes and some of my more ambitious projects.
e. Slow grade ramps replace any outdoor steps and lead to doors amply wide for a wheelchair.