As tested by Steve Varden who has been an advocate of our Magloc Products for 8 Years
My name is Talia and I'm 21years old. I have quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy which means I find it hard to control all four limbs, my motor function is poor, and I lack balance. I am a power chair user. Gaining and maintaining independence, in all areas of my life, is really important to me.
One challenge I have been working on mastering is transferring out of my wheelchair without help of a personal assistant or friend. This has been incredibly hard as my movement is unpredictable, but I have got there and can now transfer without someone physically supporting or holding me. Unfortunately, this was not improving my independence the way I had hoped. Why? – my belt!! Wheelchair belts generally require good dexterity and fine motor skills, so I require help to undo and refasten my belt! ☹
A few years ago, when I was studying at National Star College in England, I was lucky enough to take part in a trial for a new and exciting belt, by Soloc – being design to aid independence for people like me. This belt worked well for some of my friends but unfortunately it didn't fit my needs as it was designed for single handed use so you needed some dexterity and I found it difficult to hold the buckle.
In May 2020, still determined to independently transfer, I reached out to Tony at Soloc to see if there might be any way he would consider re-designing the belt to make it more accessible for me to independently open and close. Tony couldn’t have been more engaging and keen to help – there was hope!
After a lot of information sharing, my trial belt arrived in August 2020. I was so excited to be able to open the belt myself and complete my first independent transfer. A huge achievement for me that I am really proud of – all made possible thanks to Tony, his design skills and generosity of time. Closing the belt was still challenging and whilst I could eventually manage it, it was really difficult and not practical, but this was only the first prototype.
We sent videos back and forth and a second version arrived in October 2020. This one was further improved, with a toggle function which means it’s safer for me, as it’s harder to open accidently. The addition of a spring presenter arm removed the need for me to try to lift the belt to position it across my lap to close – it was already there!
Ever the perfectionist, Tony’s now hard at work on yet another improved version, I can’t wait to try it out. Watch this space!!!
Since launching our Magloc range of products we have been busy innovating our next range of products which are focused on helping those less able than most. Soloc is the worlds first single handed lap belt buckle designed for wheelchairs
Caution, this video may upset some viewers, as this video shows the importance of using a lap belt!
Hopefully this poor man was not severely hurt
Copyright © 2023 Soloc Ltd - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy
I'm Tony Garlick, the inventor of Soloc. I have been working on these innovative products since 2015. These are specifically designed to help people feel safe and to give them independence when using lap belts. The traditional standard buckles are difficult to use when the users have limited dexterity and strength with their hands and fingers therefore with the new SOLOC buckles they automatically align and attach using my Patented Technology. Check through our website to learn more!