Michael Green- a mechanical engineer from Adelaide, has had a passion for tinkering since his childhood days.He claims to possess a ‘’weird mind.’’ In his spare time, the 58-year-old creates devices to aid people with limited mobility.
He volunteers his time and expertise to the non-profit organisation. Such as Technology for Ageing and Disability SA (TADSA), which provides technological solutions to individuals with everyday problems. TADSA receives requests for a wide range of solutions, including simple solutions like steps, as well as complex devices such as the ‘bindozer’.”
Michael design ‘’Bindozer’’
Michael designed the ‘bindozer’ for a client who desired a tool to help him take out the bins independently. “The neighbours would do it, but he wanted that independence, so I said, ‘Yeah, okay, we can make a device,” Michael explained. The bindozer operates by rolling the chair up to the bin. Then using a winch that has a fork piece attached to lift the bin off the ground.
The front wheels make it easier to manoeuvre the bin. which can be lowered by cranking the winch. “He [the client] loved it because not only did it do what he wanted to do, but it gave him that feeling of independence.” Michael added.
Although there were ideas to add a hitch to the back of the wheelchair and tow it like a trailer, it required reaching around to get it. “So we’re always just trying to make something that just works, you know?” Michael concluded.
Over the years, Michael has created a range of devices, including light-weight mouth sticks for individuals with quadriplegia. Also, walker brakes for someone with only one strong hand, and even a smoking aid.
I really shouldn’t be doing that, it’s bad for their health, he says
According to Michael, some people in care homes who smoke have difficulty holding a cigarette.”The request was, ‘can we make something so they can smoke without being able to get to the cigarette?” he explained. “So that’s what that is, it’s a little holder for a cigarette with a cage on top that can be strapped to the edge of a wheelchair or a table or something [with a] long tube so they can smoke. There’s a little object mechanism on there for the nurse or whoever to get the cigarette out at the end of it.”
Michael stated that his smoking aid allows individuals to satisfy their nicotine cravings without the risk of burning themselves or starting a fire. “Michael added, “You think, ‘I really shouldn’t be doing that, it’s bad for their health,’ and then you realize that they have all sorts of other health issues and that’s the least of their problems.”
He acquired carpentry and metalworking skills by teaching himself. He is employed in his volunteer work. “I find a lot of satisfaction in the act of making. However, I also enjoy discovering innovative methods of creating things,” Michael concluded.
Michael also encourages others to try their hand at creating solutions for people in need.
The story is originally posted on ABC.
