"The Curtis Collar"

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training recently interviewed Andrew Hall, one of our Health and Social Care learners, regarding his remarkable creation aimed at aiding a service user that Andrew works with who has Cerebral Palsy. Andrew's innovative solution assists his service user, Curtis, whose condition makes the ability to use a camera difficult. Curtis has a keen interest in photography and videography, prompting Andrew to develop a brilliant solution. Andrew has created a device that attaches to the camera, enabling Curtis to capture photos and videos with ease. Take a read below:

Tell us about you and your job role

“My name is Andrew Hall and I have been a support worker with Individual Support Solutions for just over two and half years, and around 8 months ago I began working with Curtis. I’m currently doing Health and Social Care NVQ level two.”

Can you describe the device you created for the service user with cerebral palsy?

“The device is a collar that fits around a camera lens and enables the user to zoom in and out easily if they have not got full use of their hands and would ordinarily struggle to grip the lens.”

What inspired you to create this device?

“During my first shift with Curtis he showed me some photos he had taken on his phone and I told him they were really good. I asked him to imaging what he could do with a “proper camera” and he said he would struggle with using the lens due to his disability. By the end of the four hour shift I had come up with the idea of the collar and made a couple of rough sketches. I sourced the frame part and then used a 3D pen to create the prongs and locking system.”

How do you feel about the impact your invention has had on the service user's life?

“Curtis can now use a camera with zoom lens easily and is enjoying the challenges of getting the great shots. He is looking forward to better weather so he can now go out exploring new places with a real camera. The collar would be of use to anyone that struggles to grip a camera lens as the prongs can just be pushed up or down to control the zoom. If I hadn’t been working with Curtis I may have never come up with the idea, which is why I named it “The Curtis Collar”.”

If you are looking to do a Health and Social Care apprenticeship then please email enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk.