Jack is a delightful, indomitable 10 year old who faces daily lifestyle challenges. Having very restricted use of his right arm, Jack has been under the care of Occupational Therapist, Jacinta Martino-Kelderman from the Ability Centre of WA.
Learning to be independent
Carrie Kane, Jack’s Community Inclusion Worker, has been teaching him independence in the kitchen. Preparing school lunch, cooking toast, making snacks for his family and using the kettle have been the prime focuses. Carrie Kane explained the sequence of strategies used to teach these processes.
When Jack was asked how he first felt about using the kettle at home he responded, “I felt nervous. I had never done it before and my hand shook. I was worried that I might burn my hand.”
Gaining confidence
Although his skills have improved, Jack still experiences these problems and fears. After hearing this, Uccello Design’s immediate response was to offer Jack a Uccello Kettle. In fact, they gave him two! A presentation time was organised and attended by friends, family, Jacinta, Carrie, Uccello Designs and representatives from community newspaper, The Post.
On seeing the Uccello Kettle for the first time, Jack commented, “It’s a bit weird, but it looks like a bird.” Jack poured his first cup of water, using the Uccello Kettle. When asked what differences he noticed between the family kettle and the Uccello Kettle, he answered,”With the Uccello Kettle, you just pour the water in. You don’t have to lift it. It’s safer.”
Safety of the Uccello Kettle
Every year, thousands of children receive scalds from boiling water. Overall, children are at a high risk of death from burns, with a global rate of 3.9 deaths per 100 000 population.
Although The Ability Centre does not endorse the Uccello Kettle, both Jacinta and Carrie agreed the Uccello Kettle would be beneficial for Jack’s needs. Carrie intends to use the Uccello Kettle to further develop Jack’s independence in the kitchen. When asked what benefits the Uccello Kettle offered Jack, Jacinta replied, “It is light. You don’t have to carry the weight of the water or direct the pour. You can concentrate on the level of water in the cup.”
The Uccello Kettle has certainly given Jack a gift that keeps on giving at Christmas time – safety, security and independence.
