Overcoming Disability
Hi Paul,
My son (9) has become very interested in woodworking over the last year, watching and helping with the projects I have done, along with a few of his own. He was born with one hand, and his other arm ends just below the elbow.
He has become competent with some of the easier tasks that only require one hand such as sawing, and use's his arm very well and is able to use things like using a hand plane by pushing with his arm and using his hand to keep the plane straight.
The difficulties are things like holding a spokeshave, and other tasks we take for granted using two hands such as holding a hammer and chisel. He is very determined, and has always overcome any problems he has encountered, but is becoming frustrated.
Do you have any experience working with or teaching anyone with similar disabilities?
I would appreciate any advice you may have on how he can develop his skills, how I could help him through uses of jigs/supports or any other ideas you may have.
Many thanks.
I checked first to see if I could ask my audience if they might have any answers to this so here it is. My personal experience is too limited but I hear of people without sight using hand tools and other situations that can be physical disabilities, mental disabilities or any combination. Often disabilities are not apparent, so I wondered about the experience some of you might know of that could help our friends here.
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