The Moti ME story

Common barriers that stop children from getting active

Many Disabled Children will experience developmental delays, so physiotherapy is an essential part of their day-to-day routine to assist with core physical skills such as coordination, range of motion and balance.

As I spent more time with my cousin, I immediately noticed some challenges to practising physiotherapy at home. These included finding products to help with physiotherapy, keeping the child engaged during practice and a lack of guidance for the child’s parents.

As I spoke to more families with a Disabled child, I realised that these challenges were very common, so I immediately knew that I had to design something that might support children and their families.

Something new and engaging

After my graduation, I started Moti Me, where I am now developing a fun product to help children practice physiotherapy at home with their families. The product is engaging and adaptable as it can be utilised in multiple ways to suit the child’s ability.

I think that it addresses many of the barriers generally faced by families supporting Disabled children to be active. For example, the product guides the child’s parents through the physiotherapy routine which means they are also included in their child’s development.

The product I am developing is ergonomically designed to help children who may have reduced dexterity or more limited movement, in addition to focussing on physiotherapy exercises. It has been designed with the help of many physiotherapists, occupational therapists and parents who have a child with additional needs.

Moving forward with your help

I want to better understand how the product can support Disabled children and their parents and carers. To do this I know it’s important to gain insight into the product’s function and interactions from families that might use something like this for physiotherapy. I am therefore looking for parents or family members of a child with additional needs, to complete my short questionnaire about the prototype to help improve it and make it fit for purpose.

This project is close to my heart, and I would really appreciate you taking a few minutes to answer my questions. I would really appreciate any suggestions or ideas you might have on how I could make this product more impactful for as many children as possible.

Please note all answers will be kept anonymous. You can answer the form by following this link to a Google form.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at katie@motimefamily.com