Have you heard about Project Possibility? The corporation was set up by computer science students and graduates at the University of Southern California. It grew out of an idea two years ago by Christopher Leung, a master’s degree candidate in computer science and engineering at the time.
They are actively creating software that opens worlds to the disabled. Here’s a big shout out to Project Possibility-good luck on future ventures and Thanks!!
Hi All,
I’m currently writing snippets for a soon to be published inspirational book for disabled children and their parents. It’s my first attempt at being a children’s author and I would appreciate any insights or feedback you may have. The site is called Our Footprints are Different…But our Hearts are the Same.
I’m going to self publish this book and have a graphic artist working on the images as you read this. Writing a book is quite a journey but by using a blog format it is a post at a time. Come by and feel free to leave a comment.
Thanks, Steve
Women on Crutches have become more prevalent. I’m not sure if I have not been paying attention or what but there certainly are more women using crutches. Women on crutches bring their special insights to the industry. For example women demand and prefer lighter weight crutches-titanium crutches are a favorite for this reason!
In addition, my women clients on crutches definitely like to see some color in their crutches. Colored crutches are one thing that both my male and female clients agree upon. Women are also very practical and like to have a carrying bag on their crutches. The bags need to be functional and good looking. To that end we will have Advantage Crutch Bags for sale very shortly.
Women also expect their hands and wrists to be comfortable when walking on crutches. I’m seeing more women buyers of The Right Grip crutch handles because of its ergonomic design. Good news-we just recently did a run of The Right Grip and made the color black and used a softer durometer to ensure that the handles are even more comfortable.
Please feel free to share any other insights you may have as a woman on crutches.
Thanks, Steve Mertz
Types of crutches is a search term that I frequently see. So, let’s look at some of the crutches that I’m most familiar with. The forearm crutch, also know as the “elbow crutch” or “Canadian crutch” is the choice of long term crutch users. Today you have a choice in forearm crutches. You can go with traditional aluminum alloy adjustable crutches or you can have custom aluminum alloy crutches made to your exact height. This is becoming increasingly popular because it eliminates the adjustment holes and that annoying click you get when the adjustment holes start egging out.
From my perspective, the most popular crutch we now sell is the titanium crutches that are custom made to your specifications. Titanium crutches are the most expensive crutches in the market and they are also the strongest and most light weight crutch available.
We really don’t sell traditional under arm crutches but the one exception to that is the Shepherds Crutch. This crutch has a very loyal following and it is available in either aluminum or titanium. The Shepherds crutch can be customized to your exact height.
Honestly, I had never given this situation a lot of thought until a woman recently wanted to buy a pair of custom titanium crutches. We were going through the measurements and she said: I had better get your aluminum alloy adjustable crutches because when I wear heels they can add and inch or two to my height.
Can you imagine how that would throw you off-walking with crutches that are a couple of inches short? I really don’t know how you ladies walk on crutches with heels but I commend you!
So, if you are thinking about ordering some custom crutches and you wear high heels on occasion-let’s talk before you order!
Hi, we, the world sales manager, Steve Mertz (fool) made a mistake when cutting these custom made Superlite Titanium Crutches. Here are the details: the x measurement is 6″ and the “y” measurement is 35 1/4″. We can shorten the y if need be but we have no wiggle room on the x measurement!
These Superlite Titanium Crutches normally sell for $695.00 dollars. You can buy these for $550.00 plus shipping. The crutches have never been used and they carry our full 20 year warranty!
The titanium crutches are the strongest made crutch on the market and can accommodate a user weight limit of 800 lbs-these are the best crutches on the market.
If you are not sure how to measure for custom crutches I have a post devoted to measuring for crutches-Perhaps I’ll have to review it again myself 
If you are interested in these titanium crutches you can email me: Steve (at) disabledservices.net or call me, Steve Mertz, at 303-619-8972
Thanks, Steve Mertz
I wanted to share a great testimonial letter we recently received from an individual who ordered our custom forearm crutches:
Being a Post Polio victim all my life (I’m in my mid 50’s) and needing to use crutches since I could stand – in other words, I’ve been on crutches all my life - well, since I’ve received Steve’s crutches (I really like the black styling of them) - it’s been like I’m a youngster again - I’m so confident in the strength and sturdiness of this product, that I no longer worry about the possible breaking of them - I simply enjoy the freedom of the use of them – I can go anywhere and enjoy whatever I’m doing personally or professionally - they’re the best crutches I’ve ever had – I highly recommend them to everyone and thank goodness I discovered this source for ordering crutches. Thanks Steve - you’re the Man, and thank your technician for me - he was great also.
Ralph Ruiz
Thanks very much Ralph-Happy Trails!
Custom Crutches
PS. Ralph has his own business and helps companies who need marketing tools. His specialties include brochures and website designs. Stop by Ralph’s site if you are in need of some marketing help.
Custom crutches allow us to build your aluminum and titanium crutches to your exact height. The advantage is a stronger crutch and you don’t have those annoying adjustment holes that will egg out with time and create that annoying clattering sound!
Let’s start with the x and the y measurement. Please use a tape measure as you will need the flexibility and accuracy. The x measurement is from the top of of crutch cuff to the top of your crutch handle. The y measurement is from the top of the crutch handle to the very bottom of the crutch tip-be sue you measure under the tip to be completely accurate. If your tip is badly worn add a 1/4 of an inch or so to compensate. That wasn’t too painful was it?
Next, let’s measure your forearm. Measure the width around your forearm at it’s largest part. Our side opening cuffs are custom made to your forearms so don’t worry if your forearm is very big or very small-there is not an extra charge for our custom, side opening cuffs. We only use the side openings because it gives you the ability to carry and hold items without your crutch falling off!
One last measurement is for the correct position of the arm cuff. As a general rule it is best to have the top of the cuff about 3″ from the point of your elbow when you have your arm at a 90 degree angle. There are no hard and fast rules but we find this gives you the maximum leverage when using your crutches.
Please don’t hesitate to email me: steve at disabledservices.net with any questions or call me here in Denver, Colorado at 303-619-8972
Happy Trails
Steve Mertz
At Disabled Services we are frequently asked if we ship our crutches and crutch accessories internationally-the answer is Yes! We recently shipped custom crutches to Australia, titanium crutches to England and are currently shipping some Shepherd Titanium crutches to Croatia!
We ship out of Denver, Colorado and as the dollar is falling out International clients are getting quite a bang for their buck. The pair of crutches that we recently shipped to Australia cost $60 for express shipping-which was a pleasant surprise.
Thanks to all our clients-here in the US and all of you International clients. We have had extensive experience with getting your crutches and accessories expedited through customs so don’t let that be a concern.
Best Wishes,
Steve Mertz
Let me tell you about Craig Hospital, the finest hospital in the world for spinal cord injuries, in my humble opinion. Craig Hospital is located In Englewood, Colorado. A few weeks ago I got a call from a physical therapist trying to locate a pair of Right Grip crutch handles. I was impressed with Sharon’s effort to locate the crutch handles for patients that she thought would benefit. Fortunately, we were able to connect and I delivered the handles to Craig Hospital this morning.
The reason I always deliver the handles myself is because I walk through the hospital and everywhere I look the staff and the patients are smiling. They have that joy in their hearts and that determination in their eyes. Most of them are in wheelchairs and have suffered severe physical injuries-never mind, they are some of the most courageous people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting.
On this particular morning I had the pleasure of meeting Natasha deVarona RPT. Natasha took the handles from me and said she had some “gaiters” who would benefit from the Right Grip. It was a joy for me to hear that some folks in wheelchairs had progressed to the state of using crutches occasionally. All that Natasha could think about was the welfare of her patients and how she might help them. She has an infectious smile and real joy in her presence. She is a perfect example of all Craig staff members that I have had the pleasure of meeting.
She showed me a prototype of a Right Grip they had in their office-that brought back some memories. It was back in 1997 when I first took that prototype to Craig and asked them if they could find a use for it. They graciously helped me out. October is the month when we honor Physical Therapists-and I can’t think of a group of individuals that are more deserving. As I walked out of Craig Hospital I felt like the luckiest guy in Denver. I get to walk out of Craig while many of my brothers and sisters won’t walk out today. It made me count my blessings and I would encourage you to do the same.
