Mei-Li Hey
Deliverables:
- Devices that address a large range of physical disabilities and allow its users to independently use a pit latrine in a sanitary manner.
- Instructional manuals depicting how to construct the devices
Constraints:
- Must be affordable to individuals living on $3 a day or less
- Must be reproducible in rural parts of Uganda
- Made from locally available materials and manufactured using local tools
- Made by Ugandans, specifically landmine survivors
- Must consider social stigmas surrounding disabilities and concerns of independence
Lasting Impact:
This project is working hard to ensure that the devices are integrated into the pilot region instead of being abandoned as many other charitable handouts are. To increase the likelihood of device integration and adoption, we are implementing a simple system for the beneficiaries:
- A landmine survivor, identified by our partner organization, The Uganda Landmine Survivors Association (ULSA), will be sent to a vocational school to learn carpentry and/or metal-working
- This survivor will be provided with the materials to produce 10 devices
- ULSA will buy back the devices at a profit to the survivor
- ULSA will then provide the devices to others in need at an affordable cost
- The trained landmine survivor can continue to produce the devices for revenue. With their acquired skills from vocational school, they may also be employed as a craft person of their discipline to achieve financial independence
Current Prototypes:
Right now, our team is in the process of finalizing some of our existing prototypes, as well as expanding on new concepts and ideas in order to create devices that are tailored to fit different physical disabilities.
The Box
Designed to mimic a cardboard box, this design is portable, sturdy, and can be made out of a variety of materials, depending on what is available in Uganda at the time. The handrails provide support to the user so they may use their upper-body strength to lower themselves onto the device. The supporting walls look have the X shape to cut down on weight and reduce the potential splatter zone!
The WalkerThis design serves a double purpose in order to increase mobility of its user, so that the individual can also get to the pit latrine independently. The walker contains a seat that folds out of the front. The seat rests on a crescent shaped support to minimize the maximum torque and bending stresses applied. The metal support that runs across the seat provides additional rigidity for the user.
The Crutch
This design also serves two purposes. The first being a mobility assist as a simple crutch. The second function is as a latrine aid. A seat folds out of the frame of the crutch for the user to sit down on when they are in the latrine. The metal design was conceived after the survey trip to Uganda where it was discovered that welding is common practice in our area of interest.
Until next time.
Thanks for reading!
Jason Bender
Bruno
Joseph Prosnitz
Alex Medeiros