Intuitive, essential accessibility-support tools are often the simplest solution – Dropmenot
Those of us that never had to use canes or walking sticks to allow us to get up and walk empathise at the supreme physical effort and apparent vulnerability involved for cane users; we can imagine their severe discomfort as well.
These assumptions while true do not tell the ‘whole story’. Dropping the cane and trying to retrieve it from the ground is an ongoing ‘everyday’ struggle at home and in public spaces; and this can be really painful, embarrassing and even dangerous. Just talk to the people that it happens to about this!
While the hotel and wider tourism industry, cultural venues and shopping centres are set to (cautiously) open their doors to visitors in the post Covid era, formidable barriers to the disabled remain. Despite the messages of ‘inclusivity’ and ‘accessibility’, cane users will struggle in most of these places, for example, when checking in at reception or ticket desk. Where do they put their stick? Should they lean it against the wall or on top of the desk? What if it drops?
In a number of recently posted articles on Linked In, I analysed how integral carefully positioned resting places are for the participation and the well-being of the disabled and elderly in public spaces such as parks and other green spaces.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/active-ageing-part-4-necessities-outdoor-life-place-rest-consultant
Just as vitally important are resting places for canes, not only for people! This is where Dropmenot works so well and it is a great example of the kind of accessibility solution that I have long advocated for; universal, unobtrusive, yet distinctively visible, inexpensive, easy to install and slot in and hold the canes/walking sticks until retrieved again.
Dropmenot is an excellent fit in nursing care homes, hospitals and retirement communities. I would recommend it in private homes as well – by the bed or shower for instance.
A number of prestigious museums and galleries in Germany are starting to use Dropmenot; reflecting and enhancing inclusive venues in this country. I would love to see more of this happening to allow ‘cane drop fears’ as one thing for our disabled citizens to banish from their list of concerns.
Jem Golden, Consultant – Accessibility for All, Ageing in Place, Digital Participation
I’ve installed Dropmenot at my dental practice to help make it more accessible. We have installed one in examination room and one in the toilet. The customers can rest the cane while being examined which helps prevent falls for the customer but also for the staff moving around the room. It also comes at relatively very small cost and installation was easy.
Such a clever solution.
Natalia Wicher, Dental Practice, Poland
We installed the dropmenot in the Chiropractic Clinic and it has already proven an all-round success. It has mean patients can safely stow away their walking poles or cane during appointment times and keep the clinic tidy, avoiding trip hazards. Equally importantly the dropmenot has also meant that patients won’t have to bend down to pick up a fallen cane straight after getting adjusted which could potentially undo my good work!
The dropmenot has been a useful and welcome addition to the clinic.
Sarah Bedford DC. MCHIRO, BSc(hons).
