Hobcart

Hobcart' is a unique type of mobility device conceptualized and designed in the late 1960s by Dr. Steven Perry, based in Albrighton, Shropshire, UK. Driven by a personal motive to aid his two young children, both diagnosed with spina bifida, Dr. Perry sought to create a mobility aid that wouldn't visually set his children apart from their peers. His innovation led to the development of the hobcart, a device that combines the functionality of a wheelchair with the aesthetic appeal and fun design of a go-kart.

Background

Dr. Steven Perry, motivated by the needs of his children and their desire to blend in with others their age, embarked on a mission to design a mobility device that was both functional and socially inclusive. Recognizing the limitations and social implications of traditional wheelchairs for young children, Dr. Perry envisioned a solution that would empower children with mobility challenges without making them feel different. The hobcart was his answer to this challenge, designed to offer mobility support while also being visually appealing and engaging for children.

Design and Production

The hobcart's design mirrors that of a go-kart, a deliberate choice to make the device more appealing to children and less like a medical apparatus. This innovative approach to mobility aids for children was aimed at fostering a sense of normalcy and inclusion, allowing children with spina bifida or similar conditions to play and interact with their peers without the stigma often associated with disability and assistive devices.

The first hobcart was produced with the collaboration of a local borstal, indicating a community effort in its manufacturing. This collaboration not only facilitated the production of the hobcart but also provided an educational and rehabilitative opportunity for the borstal residents involved in its assembly.

Impact

The hobcart stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Dr. Perry and his dedication to improving the lives of children with disabilities. By focusing on the social and psychological aspects of mobility aids, the hobcart project highlighted the importance of inclusive design in assistive technology. It serves as an early example of how thoughtful design can significantly impact the quality of life and social integration of individuals with disabilities.

Related Terms

• Spina Bifida
• Wheelchair
• Mobility Aid
• Inclusive Design
• Assistive Technology

See Also

• Adaptive Equipment
• Childhood Disability
• Social Aspects of Disability

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Hobcart
• Wikipedia's article - Hobcart

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

---

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski