An eastern Iowa polio survivor who has limited use of her arms and legs hasinvented a product that aims to make life a little easier for people inwheelchairs — and for their caretakers. Judy Hoit, of Iowa City, is state coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair Iowaprogram. Confined to a wheelchair herself, Hoit had the brainstorm for theinvention after enduring a recent series of airplane trips. Flight attendants would try to lift her out of thewheelchair and into the plane seat by holding under her arms and legs –which she says is unpleasant for everyone involved. Hoit has developed whatshe calls the Pakkie (pack’-ee). It’s a harness or sling made of Tyvek, astrong, thin material. The Pakkie has straps that go behind the person’slegs and shoulders, making it easy to lift someone without touching them.While it was designed for air travel, Hoit says the Pakkie could be used inhospitals, nursing homes and a variety of other areas. The cost is around50-dollars For more information, contact Hoit through “Access Now” at (319)351-8375 or via email at “accnowjh@aol.com”.
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