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Having Trouble Drinking?

Do you have to put your finger in the drink to get it up to your face? Try the loving cup style with two handles. Sally Russell tried one and reports: "Works just wonderful. It is weighted on bottom so won't tip -- but still light enough so easily lifted by weak hands." Order from Fascole Corp. 229 Fourth Ave., New York, 3, N.Y. Their catalog describes it: "No. 141 Twin-Handled Cup. Weighted base keeps it upright. 'See-through' lid is splash-proof. Made in lustrous shatterproof plastic. $1 plus .15 shipping. Get on their mailing list for other items for the physically disabled.

Watch And Earn - T.V. Monitor

Three of the outpatients from our Center are trying TV monitoring. If, after a glimpse at their experiences, you are interested, write to: Mr. Ray Skyler, Personnel Director, National Television Monitor Co, Inc. 601 Madison Avenue, New York, 22, N.Y. and send a postcard requesting progress report and questionnaires on TV to Eastern, P.V.A., 432 Fourth Avenue, New York, 16, N.Y.

Ida Brinkman (no use of hands or arms, types with mouthstick) reports that she enjoys it. "It is wonderful to have something definite to do. It gives me a boost. It makes me feel good to be able to do it all by my-self- except roll the paper into the typewriter." She takes it down directly onto scratch paper, then types it on the report the next morning. When she first filled out the form she specified certain hours when she would be unable to do it. At first tried the noon hour, but found it interfered with the children's lunch hour jabber. Now monitors from 4 to 6:30 pm on three days a week, and about one hour on two days. Sometimes she has to watch something special, and she is notified ahead of time. She averages about $8 a week and is happy to have the extra. It does not interfere with the supper hour, because the children would have been watching the programs anyway. There isn't too much typing. The average report is about 12 lines and "the more you do it, the easier it becomes because it falls into a simple pattern."

Jean Lang (same as above) takes the reports on tape and transcribes them later, with mouthstick typing. She has had some difficulty coordinating the monitoring with the family activities. When the assigned hours are in an unbroken span, they are easier for her to manage. When too many other things intervene, she has to call on other members of the family to help catch up, and she would prefer not to involve anyone else in her own project.

Adele Mockbee (limited use of hands and arms) said that it is no strain. They are paid $1 an hour (watching time of whole program) and their attention is directed to monitoring the commercials. One is sure of making $7 per week. If two sheets are sent out, they are paid double. Occasionally they get a long distance call from New York instructing them to watch an additional special show.

Post-Polio Resort

The following story appeared in "The Torch" of Beta Sigma Phi: "With her typical spirit of courage, Debbie Walter, a 'shut-in', is making plans for a motel where respiratory and muscular involved patients may enjoy a vacation. 'Surf Side Rancho' will be located on the beach near Los Angeles and will be equipped with a large sun deck, special loading ramps, and television sets.

Plans call for all units to be wired so as to provide correct outlets for special equipment, and there will be an emergency source in case of power failure. Personnel will consist of a full-time attendant to assist with management as well as patients, and a maintenance man for the care of the building and grounds.

A post-polio herself, Debbie is aware of adjustment involved. She hopes that Surf Side Rancho will help others with severe muscular and breathing involvements to enjoy a full life."

One of our Editors is corresponding with Debbie and we will have more details in our next issue -- devoted to TRAVEL by respiratories.

Fashions

Titled "Looks build Hope", the Sunday magazine "Parade" carried a story about Helen Cookman's designs for functional and attractive clothes for the disabled. Dr. Howard Rusk brainchilded the idea.

Trousers and slacks zipped over the braces. Zippers go all the way, from half way up to half way down. Slack belt has pockets suspended from it. Jackets have shoulders and pleated backs to allow for use of crutch.

Abbreviated suit jacket for men minimized wheel chair discomfort, danger of catching clothing in transit. Collection includes slip-on vests and zip-on shoes. Washable fabrics are used, many drip-dry. Fabrics are not flammable, don't stick to chairs or have too much static electricity.

These medium-priced clothes (suits cost from $25 to 50) will be sold by mail order from Clothing Research Inc. 400 East 34 st., New York, 16, N.Y. They will also be carried in the spring and summer Sears Roebuck mail order catalog.

Airborne Chess or Checkers

Rhoda English, Volunteer at Crile Veteran Hospital demonstrates a magnetic chess game she has devised for playing at any angle.