MOST parents want their children to be seen and not heard, but for one family that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Their five-year-old struggled with speaking because his vocal chords were weak. And his condition meant that the more he talked, the weaker the sound became.
Enter kind-hearted software engineer Niall McCarroll.
The Wokingham man put his knowledge of electronics into action to help the youngster to speak again.
He is a volunteer with Remap Berkshire, a charity that designs and builds gadgets and equipment for people with a disability or special need where no commercial solutions are available.
The software engineer said he was delighted to help the family.
“The commercial voice amplifiers are all too big and bulky for a five-year-old child to use,” he explained. “I came up with the solution of a small microphone wired into an amplifier and mini-speaker fixed to his belt.
“The family put in a lot of work and provided their own innovative ideas as we experimented with various prototypes.
“The end result makes a real difference to the lad’s communication abilities.”
And Niall’s efforts have not gone unnoticed: last month his efforts saw him received the Remap Founders Award at a ceremony in London. His prize includes a free mini-break provided by charity partner Room to Reward.
But although the hotel break is a nice present, for Niall, being able to help is enough.
He joined the charity two years ago, having heard about the opportunity through a friend who is living with Multiple Sclerosis.
“It has been very interesting working on a number of projects,” he said. “It provides an opportunity for me and the other volunteers to put our practical problem-solving skills to good use, designing and making things which make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Remap Berkshire has assisted people in all age groups with a wide variety of issues. Among the recent assignments have been:
- Electric grabber for a 10-year-old with weak muscles
- Long-reach window opener for a lady with arthritis
- Cornered ramp for a wheelchair user
- Steps for a child with dwarfism
- Safety bottle opening gadget.
But the charity said that demand is increasing and its needs more helpers like Niall.
It said that many MakeAbility volunteers have an engineering background, but some have electronics and computing expertise, others are skilled with wood, or have a passion for model engineering, in fact anyone with a talent for problem-solving through making things can make a contribution.
Some volunteers have their own workshop, others use community facilities or have a workbench and tools in the garage.
The charity pays out of pocket expenses such as the cost of materials and travel expenses.
For further information about volunteering please call Remap Berkshire’s Case Officer Robert Monk on 07790 127123.
