Whats New?
Fledglings is constantly searching for new products that will help children with special needs.
Below are details of some of the latest products we have found:
| iseeka - child tracking device |
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We are always on the lookout for innovative products to meet children’s and families’ needs. We cannot always help immediately when you come to us for answers to difficulties but we don’t stop searching for solutions to these unsolved problems.
One of the products we have been asked to find many times in recent years is a device to ‘tag’ children who wander off and who, particularly if they have limited speech, may be very vulnerable. We have identified one or two potentially helpful products but they have usually been extremely expensive and none have received positive feedback.
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Now, however, we believe we have found a product which should help many families. The iseeka child tracking system consists of a lockable child ‘wrist-watch’ receiver and a parent control which can set the distance you are happy for your child to move away from you up to a distance of 400metres. If the child goes beyond the set limit, an alarm sounds on the handset alerting the parent who, by pressing a button on the control is directed to the child’s location.
We have tested this product here and, although it required a little time and patience to set up, it clearly worked as described. We believe this will help families who want to allow their child a little freedom e.g on a beach or out in a park but who will feel reassured that the child may be easily located when required.
This is a very new product but it is already receiving accolades from thankful parents, and the iseeka company has kindly agreed to offer these units at a £10 reduction to Fledglings’ customers who order online and in addition the company will make a donation of £10 to Fledglings. To obtain the discount use the code FLEDGLINGS on their online Order form.
To find out more, to view a video or to place an order go to their website www.iseeka.co.uk |
| The Trabasack – a portable laptray bag |
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Designed by Clare Edwards, a wheelchair user, artist and busy mum of two, this useful product
has been tested for us by Nathan, aged 8 years, who is also a wheelchair user - and he loved it.
So did his Mum and brother! There are two versions of the Trabasack, one with a curved edge
which hugs the body's contours and the smaller Trabasack Mini, just right for holding A4 paper.
Both are bags with one flat side and a bean bag cushion insert on the other, allowing the bag to sit
comfortably on the user's lap while maintaining stability on the table. Both styles can be carried on
the back, over the shoulder, or attached to a buggy or wheelchair. These very versatile products
are suitable for all ages and situations. Trabasack can be attached securely onto the front of a therapy chair, buggy or wheelchair using adjustable straps and used throughout the day.
Visit their website for more information: www.trabasack.co.uk/communicationaids
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| Spill Proof Beaker Has Many Benefits |
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New patented technology has been used to develop this innovative cup which has a 360degree circular valve, making it possible to drink from any point on the rim as with an open cup while at the same time preventing a single drop from being spilled.
It works like this. In order to drink you need to start with a small suck but once flowing the valve allows the drink to flow gently, making it suitable for many who have difficulty sucking and swallowing. As the valve seals automatically once lips leave the rim it is also suitable for persons who may need to drink in a reclining position. Families whose child is prone to dropping, throwing or knocking over their drinks will also benefit from this technology.
In addition the beaker has an illuminated base which comes on automatically and glows in low light. This makes it possible to be used in sensory environments such as a light room or can act as a nightlight in a bedroom while at the same time making essential liquid refreshment available.
The base light lasts for up to 3 months in normal use but can be switched off if not required.
ED0121 Spill Proof Beaker + illuminated base £4.95 + p&p
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| Curved Tooth Brush Cleans Better |
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We have on occasion been asked if we could find a solution to improve teeth cleaning for children who cannot, or do not understand how to brush their teeth adequately. This curved toothbrush, designed by an American dentist, may be the answer. As most children tend to move the brush in one standard movement from side to side this curved brush will simultaneously clean the top and both sides of the teeth, making brushing thorough and more efficient. This brush is especially helpful for disabled children and adults, particularly those with short concentration and those who tire easily, who will be helped to do a better job in a shorter time. The brush is recommended by dental specialists including:
June Nunn, Professor of Special Care Dentistry and Pro Dean, Dublin who writes: "We advocate Collis Curve toothbrushes mainly for people with learning disabilities where carers are having difficulty gaining access and being able to clean all surfaces for long enough with a conventional toothbrush."
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Pauline Watt-Smith, BDSL.DSRCS(Eng).MGDP.MSc.MSNDEd writes:"The unique design of the Collis Curve toothbrush makes the removal of plaque more effective whilst at the same time massaging the gums without hurting them. The brush itself can be used by children, people with learning difficulties, and carers helping their clients who are unable to brush their teeth unaided, and helps to promote good oral hygiene."
Although rather more expensive than the average toothbrush at £5 each + p&p, this brush should last up to 3 times longer than other brushes. Fledglings now stocks these brushes in 3 sizes, Baby GC0125, Junior GC0123 and Adult soft GC0124.
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This new award winning chair harness is the first we have found which is able to be adjusted. The adjustability and versatility means it can be used on chairs of all shapes and sizes and the detachable cummerbund provides back support on high backed chairs. It will therefore be useful from a very early age until, if required, beyond the age when children no longer fit into a highchair or indeed most other chair harnesses. The machine washable fabric harness is light and comes in its own little travel pouch. The Totseat was designed with safety in mind and carries the logo of the Child Accident Prevention Trust. Fledglings is able to supply the Totseat direct, and as this is a new product we would especially welcome feedback from families who purchase one.
Click here to see a demo of how it fits.
GC0122 Totseat £20.00 + p&p
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