A forum for the modification of machines for the wheelchair bound.

Well, I got rained out of my hunting and I came here to look as usual and I find this topic. You may or may not believe this but my wife and I were talking about something like this just last night. My wife works in assistive technology. For those unaware of what that is, she helps students with tech applications that permit them to speak, and do their work, and make modifications to equipment of anything to assist them in achieving and function in a society that isn't really set up for disabilities. We have seen amazing stories of people overcoming their disabilities. I brought up the subject of how to modify my shop and start to teach woodworking to people with disabilities. I saw Jim mention doing something as well on another thread, so if he reads this please PM with what you find out. I have noticed that companies that cater to those in need do have what I believe unreasonable prices, and I think its because no one else is making it and the people will pay it to get whatever upper hand it can give them. I believe that is crappy. I thank you for bringing this subject up. I am going to look into this much further. I mean if someone can create a product that makes it so someone can speak just using their eye movement surely someone can make this for woodworkers (and affordable). If we can't find what we are looking for then maybe we can start something to fill this void. There are a lot of great lumberjocks that have great ideas and talent. Remember necessity is the mother of invention. If there is anything I can do to help you let me know.

I could see the use for a disability forum for disabled LJ's. Disabilities come in all forms where the disabled have to work in and unconventional manner. While height issues for some might not be the problem, being able to safely reach and use a tool may be for others. This is where the Saw Stop technology has a strong influence for those who are visually impaired yet able to do woodworking. Tool accessibility is another issue that becomes a problem. Knowing where to get hardware that would allow someone to pull out a bench top machine and be easily lifted into place by someone in a wheelchair. With 20,000 members I'm sure that there are LJ's that work with tool manufactures that could say something for them to look at in making some affordable equipment for the disabled. For those with disabilities I think a disabilities forum would offer a lot of positive solutions to aid them in the hobby so many of us enjoy.
One suggestion and a easy one to do might be to change Safety in the woodworking shop forum to SHOP SAFETY AND DISABILITIES FORUM . I've noticed that this forum doesn't quite get a lot of posts on a regular basis. It would serve both shop safety and disabilities and draw interest from all members of LJ's as the other forums do now.
In fact with so many of the Baby Boomers getting near retirement old age is a disability itself. What do you think Martin, does this sound reasonable to you?

I may get trampled with this suggestion, but here it goes. As a programmer, I understand a little of what you are asking of Martin. Although I'm sure he would bend over backwards to help in any way he could, there may be easier, quicker alternatives.

For Martin, may I suggest simply changing the wording of one of the forum topics from "Woodworking Tools, Hardware, and Accessories" to include machine modifications such as "Woodworking Tools, Hardware, Accessories, and Modifications". This would help the chair bound, but also other ww's as well. Many of us are interested in modifying their machines. this would give the 'category' more input, thus giving it more power and activity.

In addition, judicious use of 'key words' could get you what you want TODAY! Simply add 'handicapped' "modifications", or 'wheelchair' to your keywords as you have already done. On the down side, these keywords only group other keywords with the EXACT same spelling. If I were to ask for more stuff from Martin it would be having a picklist for keywords rather than freeform entry. This would corral some of the outliers that mysteriously get lost. Case in point, keywords "machine-modifications" vs. "machine modifications". The presense or lack of the dash would seperate projects having these two variances.