A Hart Walker is a walking aid that allows children with moderate to severe physical disabilities, especially those with cerebral palsy, to stand and to experience hands-free walking.
Although it looks simple, the Hart Walker actually has up to 1000 working components, and once the child is used to their walker, it is very manoeuvrable.
The Hart Walker is adjustable so it can ‘grow’ with each child. Adjustments by our team on a regular basis means that the Hart Walker caters for each child’s natural growth, and their physical development.
The Walkways Mobility Program is staffed by a part-time physiotherapist, an administration assistant and utilises the services of a specially trained orthotist.
Benefits of the Hart Walker
A Hart Walker provides hands-free mobility and allows children the opportunity to experience walking, often for the first time in their lives.
Health benefits may include:
- Improved circulation
- Improved respiration
- Improved digestive system
- Improved muscle control
- Improved balance
Social benefits include:
- A positive personality change
- Increased self esteem
- Better interaction with peers
- Better social communication
The Walkways Mobility Program attracts no government funding and relies on the generosity of the general public. The Lion's Mobility Foundation is a major sponsor.
Suitability
To be suitable for a Hart Walker, a child needs to:
- Have a consistent, reciprocal stepping pattern when supported
- Be at least three years of age and measure no less than 90cm in total height
- Instep to hip joint to be less than 72cm (for initial fitting)
- Be motivated to move
Referrals can be made by the parent directly to the program or by an agent or agencies acting on the parents' behalf with written permission.
Leaving the program
Once your child's leg length reaches 86cm, the Hart Walker is not longer suitable as it will be too unstable. When children outgrow the Hart Walker, therapy staff will work with the family to recommend the best form of equipment to assist and support your child for the future.
About the inventor
David Hart was born into a family of inventors, the most famous of whom was Samuel Crompton who invented the Spinning Mule.
His grandfather and father also had patented inventions. David worked for a large medical company and eventually headed their research and development unit.
Research projects included development of the Myo-electronic artificial hand controlled by signals from the brain, powered by surgical implementation and designing body bracing which would allow paraplegics to stand and walk. David set up his own research and development company in Keighley Yorkshire UK where he met with a little boy with cerebral palsy and was asked to help. David's destiny was decided and the Hart Walker was born.