Turning with Physical Limitations
Woodturning is enjoyed by people worldwide as a method for creating art and functional objects. For the most part, woodturning is enjoyed by people who can hold their tools with two hands, stand, see, and hear during the turning process. Most of the instructions found in books, on the web, and in videos assume the student has all of these capabilities. What happens when one or more of these capabilities do not exist?
People with all types of disabilities have safely enjoyed woodturning. The key is to identify alternative approaches or adaptations and enable instructors to adequately describe and demonstrate the techniques.
The Turning with Physical Limitations program describes the process of woodturning for a person with challenges. The instructions provide alternative approaches to some of the techniques that traditionally have been described only in terms for those without disabilities.
There is more than one way to do many things in turning, whether the turner is sighted or otherwise challenged. It is hoped that a larger discussion would find various methods and effective techniques for someone with disabilities.
Join the Conversation
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We would appreciate your feedback, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].
- Join the conversation on the AAW Forum. (Note: The AAW Forum requires a new username and password that are separate from the AAW website.)
Next Phase
The next phase of this outreach is to focus on seated turners and beyond.