This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi everyone, I'm a 3rd year manufacturing engineering student at Cambridge University; we have a major project this year for researching, designing and securing funding for the development of an original design idea. I strongly wish to do something to aid the life of MS sufferers because my mum lives with it, and this seems to be an ideal opportunity to create something which could be useful. I have some ideas but I'm looking for more views of everyday problems that are faced, being as specific and detailed as possible, you do not have to have any preconceived idea how the problem could be solved, for example, one suggestion asked for a way to get into/out of a swimming pool without using the pool's hoist. Any help will be greatly appreciated, I hope we can make something really worthwhile!
Anna

What puts me in tears is opening packages with weak hands. I wish there were a legal switchblade knife I could hang from my neck so I don't lose it. There are single edged razor blades and knives everywhere around my home. Manufacturers will never consider this and change. Some food packaging is a challenge for even my normal adult children to open.

I am better now, but there was a time that I had to hold on TIGHT to get up the stairs. One hand on the bannister, one on the wall and lots of hope! I could put things in a shoulder bag (if they were small enough) to take them up or down, but getting bigger things up or down was impossible. (Like a laundry basket) I had to leave it and wait for my kids to come by to carry it for me. There are over-the-shoulder shopping bags at some clothing stores that open wide for carrying garments. I've often thought these should be made for home use. I don't think they are.

Maybe this is beyond what you were thinking of, but how about a better way to propel a wheelchair? People's shoulders give out after years of use. I've seen levers you can push instead.

I've also seen some prototypes for a giant third wheel in front so you could make your wheelchair all-terrain -- the third wheel is huge and knobby and can go over curbs, gravel, etc.

Let's see -- I also wish I could go places alone but I can't open doors and I get stuck. Or sometimes I just sit in parking lots hoping someone will come along. So something that helps people get the door open if they're using crutches or a wheelchair and their hands aren't free, or they're weak?