Remap is a charity that promotes independence by designing and creating bespoke solutions for people living with disabilities experiencing an everyday difficulty or problem, where there isn’t a commercially available solution. The charity was founded in 1964 by Pat Johnson, who, as an engineer, began designing aids to enable his disabled sister to live a more independent life.

When he saw the difference his simple adaptations made to his sister’s quality of life, Pat teamed up with other engineers to try to bring similar custom solutions to as many people with disabilities as possible.

Since then, Remap has grown, and they now have over 70 local branches*, 900+ volunteers, and create 3,500 projects every year. With every request they receive, a Remap volunteer will meet with the disabled person, along with their Occupational Therapist, family, support worker, and others, and, if appropriate, discuss the problem. Ensuring they have a complete understanding of what is needed from the build, as well as what the person’s capabilities are in terms of operating possible solutions. It is also an opportunity to revisit the root of the problem, think things through, and consider whether any other potential solutions may be more effective.

After the volunteer and service user have agreed on an idea, in principle, the Remap volunteer will begin making the item, before bringing it to the user to see how it’s working and taking it away to do more work if required. The length of this process will vary depending on the nature of the project, but the focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome for the disabled service user.

Once the solution is complete, it is then the user’s to keep. Whilst the Remap volunteer leaves it with the service user, they will also let you know that you can contact them again in the future should you have any problems. Or, if your needs change and you require the item to be further adapted, they will try to find an alternative solution so that you can continue using it.

As a charity, Remap does not charge for its services; its volunteers give their time and many of their materials freely to ensure that its services are accessible to everyone, regardless of income or financial position.

As you can see, Remap are a fantastic charity that creates bespoke solutions to disabled people’s problems! A couple of months ago, I sent them my own request, as I needed a table that I could take out and about with me, which would also fit across the arms of my power chair for the occasions when I can’t get my chair under tables. For example, in cafes and restaurants, or when I’m somewhere where there’s tea and cake, as I only have two hands, I have to choose between tea, cake, or moving my chair. However, I am very pleased to say that Peter, my local Remap volunteer, has created a brilliant solution for me that I will be sharing with you all in my next blog post.

For more information on accessing their services, donating, or volunteering, please visit the links below. Please note that Remap UK covers England and Wales, while their sister organisation covers Scotland. Many similar charities operate in other countries, so it’s worth exploring if you’re reading this from elsewhere in the world.

Thanks – Emma

Useful Links

Remap UK official site → https://www.remap.org.uk
Request help from Remap → https://www.remap.org.uk/make-a-referral/
Volunteer with Remap → https://www.remap.org.uk/volunteering/
Donate to Remap → https://www.remap.org.uk/donate/
Remap on Facebook → www.facebook.com/Remap.org
Remap on Instagram → www.instagram.com/remapuk

Remap Scotland → www.remap-scotland.org
Remap Scotland Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RemapScotland

Auty Zebra on Facebook → www.facebook.com/AutyZebra
Auty Zebra on Instagram → www.instagram.com/autyzebra