Writing Glider

Mila Contreras Godfrey

 Mila - Older adults are frequently unable to perform tasks they used to enjoy. The Writing Glider is a writing assistive that is designed for older adults that allows the user's arm to write with a constant, fluid motion. The Writing Glider is slipped onto the forearm like a cuff bracelet, lightly applying pressure to the wrist. The device has padding on the inside to keep the wearer's arm comfortable and secure. On the bottom of the device pieces of felt are stacked together to create a smooth gliding motion. This will help wearer move as they write to maintain good control over their hands.

The Writing Glider focuses on giving older adults the ability to do the task they use to enjoy. Writing can be a form of storytelling, communication with family, or taking notes on new skills and abilities. This can be important for older adults as it keeps them stimulated with enjoyable occupations. The Writing Glider was designed for Alice, who has an auto-immune disease, carpal tunnel, and arthritis. The second client is  Bobby Joe, who suffers from Parkinson's Diseases. Their medical conditions impair their fine motor skills, so that they have difficulty writing, but the Writing Glider restores their ability to write. This device encourages designers to think of ways older adults be integrated into society in a functional and fulfilling way that can bring them enjoyment and is empowering. 

Lucy - Writing Glider: a writing assistive that helps the user freely move their forearm while writing. The assistive has different attachments to fit the needs of the user and to help the user write on different surfaces.

The Writing Glider was made to help a woman named Alice take notes in class. Alice loves school and wants to go back but she lost fine motor movement in her fingers making her handwriting uneligible. The Writing Glider enables her to write by moving her forearm. The writing glider consists of four parts: an armrest, a ball caster bottom (for rougher surfaces), a felt bottom for smoother surfaces, and a pencil holder that gives you more control over the pencil.

To use the user will insert the chosen bottom into the armrest and slip their arm between the strap and the armrest to tighten the strap they will pull the loose end away from their arm. They will insert a number two pencil into the pencil holder and proceed to write.