Chair Lift

Rene in Quebec is a very handy guy and he has designed his own half-step cane. Here are the instructions and photos: #1 The 1/2 step assembly. My house outside steps are 7" so my base total 3 1/2". My sons house steps are 8" so I have in my car a second assembly with a base of 4".  You need to measure your step. The weight is about 3 1/2 lbs. #2 Plywood 3/8"  9"X9" #3 You need 8 screws 2 1/2" for the top and 2 screws 3" for each side. #4 You need to glue the plywood to the wood. #5 A middle wood to solidify. #6 My step is 3 1/2" #7 When the base is assembled, remove the screw on the side that the cane will go (I take my left hand to go up and down the steps backward. very important to know). Drill a hole 2 1/2 " deep with a bit of your diameter of your cane. (my cane is 3/4" diameter). That side screw should aligned with the center of the cane and the cane about 1/2" below that side screw to lock everything in place.  Add silicon in the hole, push the cane in, pre-drill 1/8" the cane and reinstall the 3" screw. Let it dry for 8 hrs and all will be solid. I hope this help. Thank you, Rene, for sharing your plans. If you (dear reader) make a cane following Rene's plans please post a picture.

One of our globe-trotting members, Don, put together a whole bunch of tips, suggestions, and recommendations when travelling with myositis. Here's a link to his article . Happy travels, friends!

Here's Board Member Brenda Rosborough using her half-steps in her house.