Art/Drawing supplies for disabled people?

Factual Questions
1

I tried looking at some stores, and on line, and I’m not having any luck, but are there any places that sell art and/or drawing supplies for the handicapped?

My wife signed up for an at home art course a few months ago, but after a while of avoiding her assignments, she finally admitted that drawing is getting much too difficult for her. However, having to drop the class is making her very sad, so I’m hoping that maybe I can find some items that might make it easier for her to complete her lessons.

She’s having problems holding the pencils (I bought some large grip ones today, but that’s all I can think of) and needs some arm and maybe wrist support.

So if any of you have any links or ideas of stores that might carry any items that I’m looking for, I’d appreciate it.

Any and all help and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

2

The Dick Blick website has some drawing materials here that might be of use to your wife.

3

An occupational therapist should be able to help you. I’m sorry I don’t have any idea how you go about accessing one in the US. Here I’d talk to a GP and get a referral to the hospital OT dept.

Good luck!

4

I happen to belong to a group called volunteers for medical engineering. I’ll ask around and see if anyone knows something off the shelf you can buy.

5

I would recommend an Artist’s Bridge:
http://www.dickblick.com/zz554/97/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=2941

She can place it over the drawing and lean on it for arm support.

6

Thank you all for the replies so far, I appreciate them.

7

Would something like this work? It doesn’t have wrist support but it does hold something in your hand (like a fork or a pencil):
http://www.orthobionics.com/rehab1/utensils/97.htm

They also have wrist braces.

If you can’t find anything drop me an e-mail. I might be able to fabricate something for you fairly easily.

8

Wow, I think it’s awesome, but the ultimate judge will be my wife. We’re going to bed now, but she’ll look at this tomorrow. Thanks. :cool:

9

Well, my wife decided to quit the art class anyway. Besides developing trouble holding pencils, pens, etc… it’s just gotten to hard for her to do, and it’s not for her anymore. So thanks to everyone for you help, it was appreciated.