designs on helping kids

A DESIGN student from Bishop's Stortford is making his mark as a master inventor.

Richard Twinn's creations include a doorbell for a deaf person, a water-powered clock, a user-friendly craft knife, and a cardboard chair capable of bearing the weight of an 18-stone person.

And now Richard, a third-year BA design and technology mature student at Middlesex University, who lives in Castle Street, has designed and developed an ingenious learning aid for a disabled six-year-old girl.

The youngster contracted meningitis at a very early age, leaving her with very limited sensory control.

But Richard's 'multi-sensory environment' is already showing results in increasing her sensory control.

He said: 'The finished design features a resonance board that transmits vibrations and an aluminium-framed acrylic top to enhance the acoustic effect, as well as other special features.

'It is inspiring to learn that the pupil has already recovered limited sensory control and has responded well during trial stages.'

Richard, 36, lives in Bishop's Stortford and spends one day a week working in a hostel for adults with learning difficulties.

His plan is to teach design and technology at secondary school, and he is applying to take a teacher training course after graduation this July.

Meanwhile Richard is currently working on his final project ? a cardboard chair.

He explained: 'I saw one in the Victoria and Albert Museum and I thought I would like to design my own.'

'It is radically different to the one in the museum. It works using the strength of the material. It even held an 18-stone man without budging.

'I am going to make a coffee table, shelving and possibly an armchair if I have time.'