Remap custom-makes equipment to help disabled people live more independent lives
Remap is a national charity that works through local groups of skilled volunteers. We help disabled people achieve independence and a better quality of life by designing and making equipment for their individual needs. This custom made equipment helps people to carry out essential daily tasks without having to ask for help, or helps them take part in leisure occupations or sports that would otherwise be impossible.
Remap was formed in 1964 by Pat Johnson an ICI employee. Pat’s sister had polio as a child and this presented her with physical problems in managing day-to-day life.
Pat’s sister used a wheelchair but had upper body movement. As a widow she relied on her children and neighbours for help with day to day living. She even needed help getting her wheelchair down the steps to go to the shops. Having acquired some scrap timber Pat built a wooden ramp to his sister’s front door and also installed an electric hoist, with a runway above the ceiling in the hall and bathroom of her bungalow.
His sister was overjoyed with the ramp and hoist and they immediately gave her a level of independence she has never enjoyed before. Pat was so impressed with the huge change this relatively simple solution made to his sister’s life that resolved to bring similar changes to other people’s lives.
The changes he made to his sister’s house led to the concept of forming Remap and soon other ICI engineers became involved and helped to develop the idea further.
Remap grew steadily to where it is today, covering the whole of the UK, helping over 3,500 people every year to become more independent.