[TheForge] My challenge for the month

[Ralph]

At 11:41 PM 4/16/03 -0500, you wrote:
>I have a friend whose daughter is
>greatly affected by cerebral palsy. This
>daughter, Sarah, is a bit of a history
>buff and has become interested in what
>blacksmiths did historically and wants
>to visit a "real" blacksmith shop.
>
>I am pondering two things mainly.
>
>First, I would like to have something
>that a young person with very few
>physical resources could do, so that she
>will be able to participate and maybe
>have something to take back for show and
>tell. She is chair bound and can just
>turn pages of a book and feed herself
>solid foods. Soup is a challenge.
>
>Second, I am very aware how much good
>reflexes contribute to safety around a
>shop. Since she can not jump away from
>sparks or cover her ears some allowances
>will need to be made. In Sarah's honor
>our customary safety goggles will be
>replaced with full face shields for all,
>and she will get the largest shop apron
>I own. It covers my 300 lb frame so
>should drape her nicely. Of course she
>will get the clean pair of ear muffs for
>her ears.
>
>Can anybody think of something that I am
>missing? I do not want her hurt, but
>don't want to make her feel anymore out
>of place than safety demands.


Perhaps gloves or gauntlets?
And someone to stand near her as a saftey monitor/mover.....

Ralph



"Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision."