Edki. Therapautic crayons

DESIGN: Aleksandra Satława 

Poland 

make me! 2023

“Edki” are therapeutic crayons created for children with upper limb spasticity.  Spastic hand is characterized by e.g. flexed and clenched fingers and a drooping wrist. That makes it impossible to use traditional writing tools. The project, apart from therapeutic functions, allows the youngest with hand paresis to perform simple art activities that are the basis for the harmonious development of the child. The characteristic shape of the crayon allows to hold it in several ways.  Drawing with a crayon inserted between the fingers, mobilize the hand to extend and open.  The indentation allows to learn the writing grip and supports the fingers in the right position.  In turn, a crayon rolled in the hands or on paper stimulates deep feeling.  Two-color pencils encourage wrist rotation.  The project is open source idea.  Parents, volunteers and therapists together with children can make crayons by themselves, following the attached instructions. This makes the idea cheap and accessible.