Watford MP Richard Harrington visited DEMAND at their Abbots Langley offices, and heard how they have been transforming lives through their manufacturing
Several years ago a specially adapted bed was needed for a young girl with a number of different needs. Her mother spoke with the London College of Furniture who created a bespoke bed for her, and as the need for specialist equipment was recognised the charitable arm began to grow into what it is today – a Watford based charity which has helped over 10 000 people in the last five years alone.
Demand essentially help people live their lives how they want too, by using manufacturing to break down the barriers of disability. Gary Evans, Chief Executive of Demand, showed Mr Harrington a clamp being specially designed for a young girl so that she could continue to play the trumpet though she is now paralysed on one side of her body. He also explained that they have designed a ski frame which works by hand signals instead of body weight, so that children with cystic fibrosis can go skiing, and specially designed racing cars that meant wheelchair bound children could go track racing just like anyone else.
Mr Evans said “we are here to help people do what they want to do, and be who they want to be,” but Demand’s efforts and imagination extends way beyond that and also makes everyday life that little bit easier. For example they have designed adapted equipment including a model London Bus for a five year old boy, which actually contained his oxygen tank so that he could take it with him more easily and in a fun way.
Richard Harrington said: “What demand do is completely transform people’s lives, their imagination and skill allows people to do things so many of us take for granted, brushing their hair or turning the pages of a book. Demand make possible what otherwise wouldn’t be, through the expertise of local engineers and designers, and it is to be absolutely commended.”