walking aids
Walkers
There are many ways to make walkers or walking frames. Here we show a range
from very simple to more complex. Choose the design and height depending on the
child’s needs and size.
581
Julio has strong
arms and good
body control.
He can use
a simple low
walker.
Lico has weak
elbows and poor
balance or body
control. He needs
a higher walker
with armrests.
Anna has weak
legs and poor
balance. She
does best with
underarm
crutches built
into the
walker.
The above walkers can be made with 2 cm. x 4 cm. boards (such as those used
on roofs to hold tiles), or thin trees or branches. The wood or plywood wheels roll
easily when little weight is on them (when child pushes walker) but have a braking
action when child puts full weight on them (when taking a step).
SIDE VIEW
Round
edges of
handle.
FRONT VIEW
Diagonal
support
adds
strength.
nails
Triangular
construction
adds strength.
wood or
plywood
wheel
piece of steel
construction
rod (re-bar)
Finding the design that works best for a
particular child often involves experimenting
and changing different features.
For example. Carlota
has poor body
and hip control,
and tends to ‘fall
through’ the space
between her arms
when the handgrips
are upright.
A higher
walker
with a bar
as the
handgrip
works
better
for her.
These walkers can be made out of welded or bolted metal tubing.
This walker with slanting bars
lets a child hold it at the
height that he finds works best.
CP
disabled village children