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Secumar 9 S Safety floating collar for Bath Therapy

AssociatedAssociated with Camphill School (Aberdeen, Scotland, founded 1940)

Date1960-1970

Object NameCollar

Mediumrubber, plastic, metal

ClassificationsEducation

DimensionsOverall (Height x Width): 495 × 440mm

AcquisitionPresented in 2022.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS095659

Keywords

About MeVery similar to a life jacket, this floating collar was probably bought for 'oil bath therapy' for a young girl with cerebral palsy.  She was a pupil at Camphill in the 1950s and 60s, and stayed on Murtle Estate, Aberdeen, until her death at almost 40 years old. 

Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders. 19th century understanding focussed on neurological factors. In the early 20th century, musculoskeletal treatments (i.e. surgery on muscles and nerves) began, followed by a focus on physical rehabilitation and therapy. This item is an example of one such therapeutic treatment for improving the life experience of someone with cerebral palsy. Similar approaches form a key part of support for the condition in 2022. Braces and other assistive technologies are sometimes helpful.

We have collected this item because there are no known items relating to cerebral palsy currently in the collection. Where we do have examples of other assistive technologies or aids for other conditions, we don't have any information about who used them.