Wheels to harness makes for meaningful walking experience

Debby with Rotem.

An invention that could enhance the lives of young children with disabilities worldwide will soon be put for sale on the market. Debby Elnatan, a mother from Israel, was told the devastating news that her son at 2 years old with cerebral palsy, would not be able to walk. This led to the creation of the Upsee.

After she had come to terms with the diagnosis that her son would be wheelchair bound, she got to work on coming up with something that would allow him to be able to explore the world not from wheels but standing upright. After several attempts at creating different forms of what is now the Upsee, she was walking with her son, Rotem up until he was 7 years old. Rotem is now at the age of 19. 

A child who on their own cannot stand will be given the chance to walk with the help of an adult and the Upsee. The belt is fitted around the waist of an adult, the child is put into the harness, and they both wear a set of special sandals. When the Upsee is fitted, the adult and child can then walk together in harmony with hands free to perform other activities. 

This meaningful invention will be on sale wordlwide from the 7th of April 2015. It will set someone back around $540 plus shipping. The Upsee can fit children between the young ages of 3 and 8 years old.

It offers a great opportunity for children who are wheel-bound to experience and explore the world standing upright. Although this invention is only a short tem solution, it will leave both kids and parents delighted after being able to experience the wonders of a walk together. 

-Keira