Always learning...

Well, I've been busy getting to grips with a new aspect of my job. I've taken on the role of University Placement Liaison. Sounds very fancy doesn't it?

Here at MERU we offer two 48 week placements to undergraduate students from design/engineering courses. The students work at MERU for an academic year and gain hands on experience of making and building equipment. The closing date is the end of this week, so I'm currently getting lots of emails from students wanting to apply!

We also offer a 10 week summer placement for anyone with workshop skills who want to gain some experience in a work environment.

It's very interesting as I get to see what the student engineers have done; they have to send a portfolio. For someone like me, who isn't very creative, it's fascinating to see how they come up with ideas. I deal with the admin side of this - sending out details of the placements and replying to the students. It's up to our engineers to decide who will get the placements.

Hopefully we'll get another couple of brilliant students for the next year!

Flying High!

One of our engineers, Graham, was at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg last week demonstrating our new and improved "TravelChair".

TravelChair is Graham's invention. He first created it in 1999 and it allows disabled children to travel safely on aircraft, making going on holiday much easier! Given that the original TravelChairs have been in use for over 10 years it's not surprising that some were getting a bit worn out. When airlines using the TravelChair contacted MERU about replacements Graham took the opportunity to make some improvements to his original design.

The new and improved TravelChair has more adjustable features and can accommodate larger children than before. It is also simpler for the cabin crew to use.

There was a lot of interest in the TravelChair at the Expo and Graham has returned from Hamburg bubbling with even more enthusiasm! Everyone at MERU is looking forward to the official launch of the TravelChair in May.

Some exciting news!

MERU has joined the QEF Family of Charities! The Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People is a national charity working with people living with physical and learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries to gain new skills and increase independence.  MERU is now under their trusteeship and we look forward to working with QEF to help more children and young people in the future.

Everyone at MERU would like to thank our outgoing Trustees and Members for all their hard work and dedication and we look forward to working with our new family of charities and Associate Members to provide an even better service to disabled children in the future.