David Blaski, a former magician who now works as a senior clinical occupational therapist at Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness in Schererville, Ind., invented the Aquatic Stabilizer Apparatus to help children with cerebral palsy swim better. Aquatic therapy allows cerebral palsy patients to strengthen and develop their muscles in a pool, but sometimes overcoming muscular challenges in the water proves extremely difficult. The Aquatic Stabilizer Apparatus, as it is currently named, aligns the body so that children with cerebral palsy can use their arms and legs more effectively in the water.
The idea for the Aquatic Stabilizer Apparatus came to Blaski when he met a young girl with cerebral palsy who, despite her love of being in the water, had trouble swimming. Her legs crisscrossed when she was in the pool. As Blaski explains, “Some kids with cerebral palsy have difficulty with muscle tone, which causes the scissoring of the legs. In this position, it is hard for them to learn gait patterns and normal movement patterns. It almost freezes their bodies.” One day while taking a lunch break, Blaski sketched an idea for a device that would help cerebral palsy patients to swim. He shared the idea with his brother, Kevin, and they started constructing a prototype. According to Blaski, “[The girl’s] therapist lamented that they always had orthotics to reduce this condition for walking, but there was nothing for the pool.” The Aquatic Stabilizer Apparatus fills that gap.
Blaski credits his magician past as giving him the creativity to come up with the idea. He says the trick to constructing the perfect device was finding the right formula for buoyancy. In July 2012, Blaski took first place in the Maddak Awards Competition for Product Design. Maddak is the largest U.S. producer of assistive devices and other rehabilitation products.
Blaski says he still remembers the first time he saw someone using the original prototype: “We videotaped it — it was amazing. It was a jaw-dropping experience. To see this child who previously was unable to ambulate now able to tread water.” Four children at Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness in Schererville currently use the device as part of their aquatic therapy treatment. Blaski hopes an established manufacturing company will show interest in the Aquatic Stabilizer Apparatus, which is now in its third prototype. Selling the device to the public will enable more children with cerebral palsy to enjoy the benefits of aquatic therapy.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition often caused by birth trauma. If you or someone you know has a child suffering from a birth defect, contact an experienced cerebral palsy attorney today. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
