communicATor

Tim, a 27-year-old with cerebral palsy, leads a full, active life at home and in his community. He uses a power wheelchair and is independent in getting around. Despite his independence in movement, his involuntary and uncoordinated movements make eating, especially using utensils difficult and sometimes unsafe. This leads to frequent spills and risk of injury when he tries to feed himself.

Because of these challenges, Tim must eat frequently—up to seven meals a day. Each meal takes 45 to 90 minutes. His caregivers feed him about 60% of those meals, and he eats independently by bringing his face to a bowl for the remaining 40%. While creative, that method denies him dignity and has led to neck and back strain. It also means Tim faced significant challenges with mealtimes, requiring frequent, lengthy meals that limited his independence. When Tim is home alone, he currently has no way to feed himself.

During a recent visit to CIDE, a customized robotic feeding device was identified as a solution. The setup includes a plate, placemat, large and small spoons, charger, two button switches, and a carrying case. During the evaluation, Tim used one switch placed behind his head to move the spoon to different food compartments and another switch by his right arm to bring the spoon to his mouth.

With food set up in advance, using these specialized switches, Tim successfully fed himself an entire meal independently in nearly half the time! He had good control and didn’t get tired, and he was thrilled to be eating on his own again.

The Obi Robotic feeder is making a huge difference for Tim. This device allows him to eat with new independence, dignity, and safety, significantly reducing the number of hours caregivers spend feeding him each day.

He’s gone from needing full assistance to being able to manage his own meals—all someone needs to do is help set up the food in the compartments first. Beyond the immediate benefits, this means caregivers will have more time for other things, making everyone's day a little smoother. Plus, the device is portable! Tim can easily take it to school or out in the community, ensuring he can enjoy his meals with confidence wherever he goes. It's a true game-changer for his daily life!

As Tim prepares to begin college and pursue a law degree, this new setup represents much more than a convenience—it’s a step toward the independence and self-determination he has worked for all his life.