MERU is a charity that creates unique, assistive products for disabled children and young people.
As a charity we are able to develop products which wouldn’t normally be commercially viable. In this way we are able to help people who may have very specific or complex needs.
Our products are designed and manufactured by our small team, with the help of our dedicated volunteers. We work with families, individuals, health and social care professionals and other organisations to ensure that our products are designed for purpose.
MERU is part of the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) group of charities. We share governance and core functions such as finance, fundraising and marketing but remain an independent charity in terms of the scope of our work. This partnership helps the MERU team to focus all our efforts on helping children and families.
Please follow this link to our case studies page for examples of our work!
Our services are grouped into three areas:
Ready Made Products:
We produce a range of ready-made disability products that are all inspired by requests we have received from families. These products are available to buy via our web shop. Some of our larger or more complex designs are available to purchase on a made to order basis. The income we receive from the sale of our Ready Made items is used to fund our free charitable services and to develop new product designs and services. Please see our MERU shop for our full product range.
Toy Adaptations:
We adapt battery operated toys so that they are accessible to children who use push button switches as a means of access. Switch adapted toys provide a motivation for children to learn about cause and effect and develop motor control skills. MERU offer a switch toy adaptation service where families can send in up to 5 interactive toys at a time to be adapted for use with switches. This service is offered free across the UK, with a flat rate £8 charge made to cover return postage costs. Please see our Switch Adapted Toys page for more details.
MERU Bugzi Loan Scheme:
We manufacture Bugzi, a very small powered wheelchair suitable for children under 5 that we loan out for free across the UK. We work with partners around the UK to provide Bugzi assessments close to home. Bugzi gives very young disabled children the chance to move independently – often for the first time – and is an excellent learning tool for acquiring control and cause and effect skills. Please see our Bugzi Loan Scheme page for more information and to apply for a Bugzi.
If you would like more information about any of our services, please follow the link to contact us.
