Has anyone researched these machines (they are sort of like walkers but with much more support to help people with balance/co-ordination problems continue weight bearing and keep their independence)?
Our son has DRPLA (a type of SCA) and we are thinking of getting Ormessa Grillo). He has tried Rifton and Maywalker at his special needs school but they didn't suit him.
Does anyone have a Grillo or even a better one they could recommend?
Many thanks!
First I've heard of it??
The gait trainers are underused in the UK (probably because of a price implication).
I had zero support from local services in finding the ones I thought would help Ryan remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Everybody, particularly OT's seem to be very eager to make him wheelchair bound asap. I obviously wholeheartedly disagree with their opinion.
This one can be used to provide the support from the front or the back (first time Ry could kick a ball in two years!). The frame collapses for transport, I think it is ingenious!!!
that sounds brilliant! unfortunately I know nothing about them 
but you obviously do. good luck!
First I have heard of them too. While I was researching for my heavy duty rollator, I did see some running devices, used in sport. The person sort of part leaned into them and there were huge wheels on either side. Almost impossible to fall in these and the runner may have been strapped in, not sure. I suspect your advisers know your son will be safer in a wheelchair. In my opinion, anything that gives some independence is worth every penny you can spare, it will help keep him happier and healthier too. This comment won't help you much but well done for persisting!
I am astounded that nobody uses these.
It is not just about the benefits of personal independence but more importantly it is about weight-bearing which has huge benefits and not just to keep the muscles strong but for internal organs, joins , skeleton, blood flow, etc with the direct positive impact on digestive and toiletting issues amongst many, many other issues faced by wheelchair bound!
I do understand the necessity of wheelchairs and our son has to have one due to his epilepsy and quick tiring, but surely we can't just go from a rollator directly into a wheelchair if there is a product which can provide years of increased independence and improved overall health???
Maybe Ataxia UK could do an article on availability of these in the UK and have various companies present their products? Moderator, any chance this could be passed on to the relevant team?
I know that there are at least 10 gait trainers available on the UK market
That would be very useful. Maybe a page of useful/life enhancing devices?
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