As parents we’re always brainstorming ways to simplify our lives, make things easier and enrich our children’s experiences. One Israeli mom, Debbie Elnatan, has created something magnificent to not only enrich, but revolutionize her son’s day to day life. Debbie’s son has cerebral palsy and in order to help him walk she developed the Upsee. She said in a March press release, “Out of my pain and desperation came the idea for the Upsee and I’m delighted to see it come to fruition“.
That’s right, wheelchair bound children now have a way to walk, play ball and experience life while standing. The Upsee design has a harness and two sets of sandals to connect parent and child. It allows the parent to bear weight while allowing the child to experience a walking movement and standing experience.
The Firefly Upsee is being manufactured by North Ireland’s Leckey and will be available April 7, 2014. Sizing and pricing details will be released on April 1st during a free online seminar. Sign up here for details.
Even more than the physical benefit of walking, parents who have tested the Upsee claim that it has huge emotional benefits – more smiles, more laughter and more fun; Every parent’s dream for their child.
Take a peek at the Upsee in action and you’ll see what I mean …
JD McLeod
Saturday 29th of March 2014
This device isn't new. Mary Bridge Childrens' Hospital in Tacoma, WA was using a similar brace and shoe set 15 years ago. They were calling them "Wacky Walkers." I applaud the current inventor for her hard work and determination to let her child "walk." Our son has Arthrogryposis and will never walk, run, dance or play like an abled child would. This device would never give him that freedom and independence he'll desire, either. His spirit, determination, surgeries and therapies have, however, shown everyone what a resourceful 4-year-old can do. Someday we'll find the means to get him a wheelchair van so he can go even further than he has now.
Virginia R
Thursday 27th of March 2014
What a great product. Look at those kids faces, they look so happy!