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Graduation for designer helping disabled people

UWE Michael Rose in a black graduation gown and hat, with red sash, and a grey paisley tieUWE
Michael Rose graduated with a degree in robotics

A student who dedicated his time at university to helping people with disabilities has graduated.

Michael Rose, 31, graduated in BEng (Hons) Robotics from the University of the West of England (UWE).

During his studies, he worked with amputees to develop sockets for prosthetic legs, designing a self-levelling cup holder for wheelchair users and an easy-to-grasp ice cream cone for dementia patients.

Tanya Goddard, who had an above-the-knee amputation in 2012, said the sockets his team was making could "could help all amputees out there."

UWE Michael Rose in a dark blue hoodie and orange baseball cap, with some of his products - brightly coloured wheelchair cup holders, and a large plastic ice cream coneUWE
Michael Rose designed a socket for amputees (left), an easy-to-hold ice cream cone (second from left), and a self-levelling drinks holder for wheelchairs.

She continued: “It’s an ongoing project and I still feel hopeful with Mike and the team working on it.

"I’m glad someone is listening to us when we say: ‘These are the issues – can you help?’ Mike and the team want to do everything they can."

Mr Rose, who lives in Fishponds, Bristol, also designed a self-levelling cup holder, after Ms Goddard challenged him to find a way for wheelchair users to carry hot drinks.

Ms Goddard said: “When in a wheelchair, you need arms to push, so carrying anything is practically impossible. One time, I placed a coffee cup in between legs then tried to move and got scolded.

"Michael’s cup holder is amazing and is a better solution – I have freedom to move around the house and the kids don’t need to panic that I’ll end up in A&E again."

Ms Goddard also challenged Mr Rose to use a wheelchair for a week.

"Doing that opened my eyes to a lot of the problems being faced," said Mr Rose.

UWE Michael Rose with his arm round Tanya Goddard, in front of a large window with a large plant next to itUWE
Mr Rose will continue to design products to help disabled people, including Ms Goddard (left) in future.

During his time at UWE, Mr Rose also set up a company designing, manufacturing and selling 3D-printed household product, after being awarded £17,000 in funding via UWE Bristol’s Student Ventures, enabling him to buy 3D printing equipment.

He now plans to study for a PhD in Robotics in South Korea, and to continue working with Ms Goddard.

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