In my previous post, I discussed the brilliant work Remap do to create bespoke solutions for disabled people’s everyday problems. My own issue was that I frequently found myself in situations where I couldn’t fit my electric wheelchair underneath tables in cafes and restaurants. I also found myself in social situations having to decide between either tea or cake, because accepting both meant having no hands left to drive my wheelchair!

I was looking for a small, lightweight table that could fit across the front of my chair—something I could use in cafes or restaurants when tables were too low, during meetings, or anywhere else I might need one. I also needed to be able to carry the table easily and unobtrusively on my chair at all times.

First Contact with Remap

After contacting Remap, I received a phone call from Peter, a local volunteer. He then came to visit me, and we agreed that a small table that could easily slide onto the front of my armrests would be the most straightforward solution. Peter took some measurements from my chair and came back in a day or two to show me what he’d been working on. He’d temporarily put the pieces together with double-sided tape to check it worked before returning to his workshop to complete the permanent build.

A Tailor-Made Table

You can see in the photographs below Peter working on my fix in his workshop, including the cup holder he had suggested so that I could keep the main surface clear and my drink secure. This is incredibly useful if, for example, I’m eating a meal or using the table as an impromptu desk during a meeting.

Once we had settled on the final design, Peter covered the surface with a non-slip material to make sure items wouldn’t easily be displaced—even while moving around. We then turned our attention to how the table would travel with me on my wheelchair.

Attaching the Table

We spent quite a bit of time working on a solution involving hangers mounted to the side of my chair. This would allow the table to be stored vertically alongside me. However, there was very limited space between the shroud of my drive wheel and the swing-away mechanism of my controller. After trying several iterations, I suggested we pause and reassess the chair.

Together, we agreed that a fabric bag hanging from the rear bar of my chair would be almost as accessible. I could also always ask someone to pass it to me if needed. I provided some fabric from my sewing room, and Peter’s wife kindly made a strong, custom bag with a long velcro fastening to hold my table securely behind my chair.

Final Thoughts

Once the project was complete, Peter made sure I was happy with everything and reminded me that I could always reach out again if I needed adjustments in the future.

Since receiving my custom-made table, I’ve used it constantly—both at home and while out and about. It’s far more convenient than the large swing-away table I previously used at home. The photos above show me using it as a desk in my role as Trustee of a local Counselling & Training charity. It was invaluable in allowing me to take handwritten notes—something I normally struggle with due to poor accessibility in our meeting rooms.

Recommendation

If you have a problem—big or small—that’s affecting your quality of life, I highly recommend contacting Remap. Even if you don’t know what the solution could be, their volunteers will work with you to figure it out. For a sense of the range of their work, visit their website and explore the “stories” section, which showcases custom solutions for children and adults across England and Wales.

Useful Links

Remap UK: www.remap.org.uk
Remap Facebook: www.facebook.com/Remap.org
Remap Instagram: www.instagram.com/remapuk
Remap Scotland: www.remap-scotland.org
Auty Zebra Facebook: www.facebook.com/AutyZebra
Auty Zebra Instagram: www.instagram.com/autyzebra