Speech Communication Picture Boards
These boards are a simple way to enable people with Speech Difficulties to communicate. For further information about these Speech Boards click above.
The Lightwriter
Counsellor Steve Brisk's mission in life is to tell all about the high-tech "Lightwriter", which helps people with severe speech difficulties communicate, and to teach people how to use them. The reason he feels so strongly about this is because of Caroline, who was one of his clients. Caroline is a single mother with a 14 year-old son. Her MS has had an unusually savage course and her speech was badly affected. Recently she has become unable to speak at all. A 'Lightwriter' machine would have helped her enormously as it operates a speech synthesiser just by blinking. Unfortunately, her speech deteriorated before she learned to use one. Steve has founded a charity called 'Speakeasier' to help people with MS learn how to use these machines in case they ever need one later. 'Lightwriter' machines normally cost £2500, but many people with MS can't afford one. In such cases, Speakeasier plans to fund them.

Contact: Steve Brisk, 33 Beverley Gardens, Woodmancote, Cheltenham, Glos GL52 4QD Tel: 01242-674006, E-mail: brisk@blueyonder.co.uk

Reckless Double-handled Mugs

Kevin Burke, 47, from Coleford in Gloucestershire, runs "Reckless Designs", a company established in 1992, which makes pots like no other! They are beautifully finished, very colourful, extremely eye-catching and great value for money! Now Kevin has come up with a new range of mugs. A brilliant yet simple idea - Double Handled Mugs! These mugs have been thoughtfully designed for folk who struggle to keep a one handled mug steady. Unlike many other mugs with two-handles, there is no compromise on elegance. As with all the "Reckless" range, they have been fired to high temperatures producing a robust pot, which is then fully tested. The original idea to create this range of mugs came as a result of Daphne, a lady with MS, who saw the regular large tapered mugs that we produced for the QE2 Jubilee. She noticed that the generous proportions of the handle enabled her to get a very firm grip of the mug given the somewhat limited movement she has in her hands. She contacted us and asked if we could produce a two handled version. We did this and she came along for a fitting (as it were). The prototype was still a little tight on the handles so we made the second one with the extra large handles, which was perfect for her requirements. Due to Daphne's delight with her new two-handled mug, I trawled the internet to see what was on the market, and it was soon clear that there was precious little available. What I did find was either sterile or clinical looking which afforded no dignity to the user. At this point I realised that all of my designs could be applied to three sizes of mug, and the user could have access to a vast array of designs. I think the reason the market is so limited is because mass production companies don't see enough potential in volume for such a product. For this reason I was attracted to the project. Because we are a small company specialising in small batch production, we are perfectly suited for this type of work. We can even, if the client wants, personalise the mugs by putting names on the pieces. We are not stock lead so we don't carry a large stock - everything is made to order so the delivery time is 3/4 weeks from receipt of order. We have contacted various charities such as the MSRC, M.S. Society and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and they have been very enthusiastic about our range of products. By looking through our web site the customer is able to select any of the extensive range of designs we do and have them applied to their choice of mug size. And we don't just stop at mugs - our range of "modern classics" includes: cups and saucers, bowls, plates, jugs, teapots, vases and storage jars. Our special range can currently be ordered through the webpage or by giving us a call on 01594 810504. Mugs cost £10 or £12 (+ £2 P&P) and can be supplied individually or in packs. Simply select the shape you like and then choose a design. Below is shown the popular "Horizontal Stripey" but there are many more designs to choose from on our main webpage. It is also our policy to donate £1.00 to your charity for every unit we sell. Everyone, so far, who are using the mugs have been delighted with the results. We hope you will like and enjoy them too! And they are good value for money too, from £10 (+£2 P&P). Reckless Designs 17, Gloucester Road Coleford Glos GL16 8BH Phone: (01594) 810504Fax:(01594) 835200 Email Kevin

This information is from: The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) is a proactive and innovative charity, passionately committed to supporting anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis through access to unbiased information and advice. Our approach is to encourage individuals to make choices that are appropriate to their daily lives, empowering them to maximise their potential.