SKY FLY VERTICAL Take-off/Landing ULTRALight Aircraft Invention by Mark Rumsey

This incredible flying invention is by a friend of Merry Lynn Morris - MARK RUMSEY - who worked with her on the design of the Hands-Free Wheelchair Invention several years ago. You really have to see this to believe it! (3min.)This is certainly an inspiration and exciting to imagine as we hope to see this really fly for Mark! Recently, Mark is re-evaluating all the specs from the thousands of interested fans, pilots, & engineers who commented and want to be a part.  But, the obvious enthusiasm is there - and that will not stop now!  For more info & Mark's Bio, etc., here is his website: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1894175451/skyfly-vertical-takeoff-and-landing-ultralight-air?ref=email

Best to you, Mark!
Sonshine & Merry Lynn

Off - Road Wheelchair Accessibility

In an effort to give some encouragement and ideas to those in our world where streets and roads are not what they should be ....... this particular OFF - ROAD Wheelchair Invention goes above and beyond - literally!  You really have to see this to believe it - even going up curbs and stairs like a tractor.  The good news is it is in production & the second video is all about the first "real" customer who has one & his excitement over it.  Interestingly, this wheelchair invention was also inspired by a disabled father - as Merry Lynn took her inspiration for designing the Hands-Free wheelchair from her disabled Dad.

Our Best To All - in Encouragement & Love !

Sonshine

Please note that in this first video (3min.38sec.) - the "OFF - ROAD" Wheelchair Invention comes at the last part: - & it is amazing!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx0tos4B4fA  The first part is lab prosthetic testing, the second part is on the "HANDS-FREE" wheelchair with Merry Lynn Morris - & then the third part is all about the "OFF-ROAD" testing & vision.

The second video (1min.41sec.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK2L5xsU62A is the excited response of the first customer to acquire the "OFF-ROAD" wheelchair.  Both videos are on the USF Mechanical Engineering YouTube Site.

http://youtu.be/Mx0tos4B4fA

http://youtu.be/AK2L5xsU62A

DISABILITY AWARENESS AROUND THE GLOBE - Our International Friends - Martyn, Amrita, & Paresh! .... THINK ON THIS & GIVE SUGGESTIONS

Our friend Martyn Sibley who has a wonderful Blog & Video Blog at http://www.martynsibley.com/  - keeps up with international disability awareness - especially in the UK. He related this 2 minute video from the BBC reporting on poor accessibility for the disabled in wheelchairs on trains.  Here is the link:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11639763

It is a real dilemma and something all of us should really THINK ABOUT THIS - & COME UP WITH SUGGESTIONS & SOLUTIONS! This effects all of us everywhere - INTERNATIONALLY!

Martyn recently traveled to the US and related his experiences in how he prepares and manages for his travels - with his team! Of course, in Martyn's case his awesome British accent charms everyone here in the U.S. - definitely an asset to enjoy.  His video journey is posted here with his permission. He is getting to do things, I could only have dreamed of doing!  I feel privileged to share and post his incredible journeys he takes to get the info out on disability awareness.  Martyn has certainly been blessed with a keen mind and a dynamic charisma! This is a super video!

California and Vegas Road Trip from Martyn Sibley on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/17399505

Another friend, Amrita, in India - published a great article on disability stats for International Disability Day (12/3). (See below.)  Her blog at http://yesugarden.blogspot.com/  has many guest bloggers which also bring to light disability awareness.  One of her guests was Paresh Palicha who Blogs on Accessibility and wrote a wonderful article on "Employability" from his personal perspective at http://pcpalicha.blogspot.com/2010/09/employment.html 

FROM AMRITA'S BLOG

 http://yesugarden.blogspot.com/

On Dec 2nd World Disabled Day was observed all over the world and in India. The plight of 70 million disabled people in India is pathetic. 2% are educated and only 1% find employment. The government and social groups are slowly trying to empower physically challenged people but its just a drop in the ocean. Here are some statistics of which I am also a part.

NUMBER CRUNCH

70 million disabled people in India

95% of the disabled have no access to education, health care and employment

150,000 are disabled due to injury to the spinal cord

10,000 spinal injury cases are reported every year due to road accidents. 82% are men between the ages of 18-30

In Hope & May God Bless!

Sonshine & Merry Lynn

Christopher "Kit" Lowe (Wounded Veteran) Tries Out Hands-Free Wheelchair



Georgia National Guard Sergeant Christopher "Kit" Lowe tries out the hands-free wheelchair with design inventor Merry Lynn Morris, USF faculty advisor & professor, at the University of South Florida.  Lowe was critically wounded in August 2009 in a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan; he is still recovering from a bullet wound to his upper right thigh.

http://youtu.be/xQUrkV8IGe4

Having wounded soldier friend of Liisa Temple - Kit Lowe -  try out the hands-free wheelchair today, was very special for me.  It is especially great to have feedback from a wounded veteran as I serve on the committee with General Martin R. Steele for the Veterans Re-Integration initiative.  Can't wait to have the new prototype next year for Kit to try !

Looking Forward,

Merry Lynn Morris

 

University of South Florida Dancing Chair Interview

Our Story - Progress on Dance Chair

UPDATE-just loaded video on this blog.This just came out yesterday.The USF iTunes Link:

 http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dancing-chair/id398033033?i=88692966 

       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ--kw-i6YI USF Official YouTube Site

As it gets posted on the Rolling Dance Chair website, we post video directly to this website also. It is an official copyrighted USF produced video by the College of Health media / marketing / research - though we furnished many of the pictures.

It sure was another surprise how it all came together, and we are all so grateful and thankful to Liisa Temple and everyone at USF for this fine work!  Very poignant, very sweet for all those who are and will be touched by this Rolling Dance Chair Project.  May God Bless!

His Sonshine & Merry Lynn Morris

Here is Our Story - Progress on the Dance Chair -as it is posted to youtube and also posted to the official USF Mechanical Engineering YouTube site.  (Note - should you have iPhone or Apple for Podcasts .... the above link will remain and you may prefer..... also it markets USF tracking for USF iTunes. Marketing also tracks the USF Eng. YouTube site. Official USF Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ--kw-i6YI  )

International Dance Medicine Conference with Birmingham Royal Ballet UK

Merry Lynn Morris at IADMS Conference held in the Hippodrome Home of Birmingham Royal Ballet

Evaluation of an Assistive Mobility Device for Dance

I have been away for awhile to attend the annual IADMS Dance Medicine Conference in Birmingham, UK.  This year I presented our Dance Chair Project with a colleague in Physical Medicine.  I exhibited an "Evaluation of an Assistive Mobility Device for Dance Training & Performance". (See picture with the poster.)  It included comparative metabolic / respiration studies which my colleague had prepared. We stayed at the beautiful contemporary Radisson Blu Hotel - where everyone was so very professional and lovely. Birmingham, England has an incredible variety of international foods which were really fine and great tasting water! 

Trying to Call Home - and trying and trying!

This was certainly a learning journey from many perspectives.  There was supposed to be video of some of this.  None of the video cameras worked and that is a really long story which I still do not understand.  None of the phones worked either.  Though we came prepared with UK Sim cards in advance....  then when they did not work in our unlocked international Nokia phones (prepared months before) ... we tried to buy new Sim cards.  They did not work.  We had spent so much time in preparing for this it seemed endless. To finally be in England and never find one person who could assist or offer any explanation why nothing worked - obviously I have a lot of research ahead of me.  Finally, we simply had to move on as the conference had a very tight schedule.  Family, associates, etc. in the US would have to wait for our calls from the Hotel - at about $5 / minute!  I would like to say that the next time I will be better prepared - but, that would assume I know how it all works!  It is still a funny mystery which I probably will ponder for a long time.  We just had to laugh it all off and that is what the "phone booth" picture is all about.  And, by the way - THAT phone did not work either!!  So, we had to take a picture of HOW TO NOT CALL ANYONE FROM THE UK!!



The Illusive Phone System in Birmingham, England



The View from my lovely Radisson Blu Hotel in Birmingham UK

The conference itself was incredible. The association has many professionals from diverse backgrounds all  interacting in common interests and goals, that it makes me anxious already for next year.  The time just went too fast.  Fortunately, the UK set their clocks back one hour - so I did get one extra hour!

I am preparing a Screening Program for dancers.  It was amazing to find myself sitting on the long flight over between my colleague in Physical Medicine and a P.T. member of IADMS who is working on this very idea.  Needing comparative programs for dance specific is critical in developing a true wellness and injury prevention assessment.  I am so grateful for the blessing of sitting next to her on the plane and having the time to share our research and ideas.

I learned so many things it will take a while to process, but it was very stimulating.  Immediately, I have been able to apply quickly one technique I learned and have already shown it to my Research in Dance Class this morning.  It was a very practical method for finding and understanding the illusive psoas muscle.  It is a unique muscle in that it is the only one which extends from the back to the leg with dual action control - both a "marching" pose (attitude) and an arabesque.  It is so deeply embedded from the thoracic vertebrae 12 - lumbar to attach into the femur that one cannot always figure out its placement and action.  Isolating this muscle and feeling the action is critical to a dancer. I am appreciative to find associates at IADMS sharing the information and allowing us to apply it for future dancers.

Picture from Website of Birmingham Royal Ballet

My Picture of the Hippodrome at Night

The Birmingham Royal Ballet performed brilliantly and gave a private performance for us with a triple dance including Sonia Sabri & Co. & Rosie Kay Co.  The Royal Ballet had two works of  duets on pointe.  The first was very classical ballet - precise, articulate yet it was a sweet, calming piece with sunset motif.  The second piece was a contemporary ballet with fast, flying action between the partners on black pointe.  It was called "Paper Jam" and reflected symbolically, with its ratchet music and dark theme, the idea of being stuck - yet trying to get free. This also reminded me of the idea of disability and being stuck in our own bodies trying to break out.  The "office" motif of a tie and her in a skirt - further accomplished  a camaraderie of spirits in the work place of which we can all relate.

A beautiful architectural view of the old & the new (my Hotel - Radisson Blu) from Conference window at Birmingham Ballet -Birmingham, UK

The last weekend night of the conference was a grand event for us to dance ourselves.  This is always wonderful to be among professional dancers and dance health associates who are all a part of who we are.  We clapped and stepped to a professional Highlander dancer. Amazing.  Then we all danced in English dances which to me were simply colloquial forms of the Minuet, the Virginia Reel and absolutely Square Dancing - all of this to a wonderfully diverse live band.  Having taught International Folk Dancing, I was really getting to enjoy actually doing this in the country it had its origins!  I am so thankful for such an enriching evening.  I know I was meant to see also and understand the difficulties one would have living there with disability.  As I am constantly on alert for disability awareness, I am hoping technology and disability issues will happen more quickly and that our project can contribute to this from Birmingham UK to New York City - both needing better accessibility.   And, hoping for future IADMS conferences access, also.

Merry Lynn Morris Dancing in Birmingham England IADMS Conference (Parliament Building)

Ye Olde Town Clock - Turning Back One Hour !

Speaking of  camaraderie  - it is really true that the Brits say everywhere .... "Jolly Good!"  And, so it was - as Birmingham, England, being the birth place of the Industrial Revolution - became the perfect place for the International debut of our Dance Chair Project - a blending of the old and the new.  With all the phone issues, photo issues, colloquial folk dance, architecture, the time change, etc... - and then the speech patterns which were adorable ---- I did begin to wonder?  Not, "Where am I?" - But, "What time period is this?"  It certainly seemed as though I stepped or danced back into time to Merry Olde England- my roots from William Penn my Great,Great,etc.Grandfather! May God Bless us All!

Grateful,

Merry Lynn Morris

HOW Does One Define - DISABILITY - ?

 

On this topic, "A Definition of Disability," there are myriads of attempts to define it - even to understand "the Why?"     For legal and insurance purposes, a neces-sary "medical" definition has evolved.  But, it slides all over the place, too - forever changing like the nebulous Space of the Universe.

Individually, each person explains within their own mind a "sort-of" definition, defense, delusion, or sometimes denial.  A 4-D approach...!  It was with some surprise and curiosity, that a new theory finally concluded EVERYONE at all times is on the "AUTISM" spectrum or scale.  Apparently, some of us count, some turn figures around, some are non-social, etc.  But, everyone is somewhere on the scale.  However, these generalizations often further confuse the very real disability factor of autism, which is that autism is really only "felt" when a person becomes blocked or non-functioning.

Now, define:  "What is non-functioning?"  This is similar to:  "What is abnormal?"   Enough said - though it will continue forever like the carousel it is.

A "new" approach -------  How to define disability, is not in its definition, nor in its "why."  It is in the HOW.  This is a "way," an action, a journey, an interaction, a spiritual dimensional non-definition.  Definitions are limiting.  Disability, like Art and Space, is limitless - without boundaries.

It is simply a pattern..... ever present, ever-changing - evolving, yet persistent in its existence.

The root of the word "Art" merely means "connection."  No one can define Art nor put it in a neat little box.

No one can define Disability - though the cages and the neat little box ultimately designed for it, still cannot "hold" disability and all it effects.

Disability colors outside the lines; shatters barriers; and stumps all who stay stuck in static thinking.  And, just as Art does effect everyone - whether they realize it or not - Disability effects all, as well.  Ultimately, no one has ever escaped the final "disabling event."  No one makes it out of this life "alive."

And, that is the HOW.  Life - its energy, its spiritual essence - remains.... in memory, in the very sub-atomic level of patterns connecting all in this organism we call Earth.

HOW .... is all.  Breathe in the best - breathe out the rest.

Are you part of HOW we move as one? Or are you STOPPED - trying to hold your breath?  Part of the problem, or part of the solution? Off or on? - like the DNA which instructs each cell from the infinite mind of God - who gave us the solution and remedy ages ago in Him.

with Hope

Merry Lynn Morris

Exploring Multi-Dimensional Dance Moves at USF Disability Forum

This 2 minute video clip is from the University of South Florida's Annual Disability Forum.  Merry Lynn explains a multi-dimensional perspective to movement and disability awareness.  The three dimensions are somewhat based on Laban's categories of movement studies.  The dance is portrayed symbolically to represent that until we realize each other, we cannot have a full life.  Becoming fully aware is necessary in helping others. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSlRy2U_uSM or http://twitvid.com/PN4NS

This Annual Disability Awareness Forum was from last fall 2009.  This year the event will be held at USF's Marshall Center Ballroom on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.  The keynote speaker will be a decorated, disabled Iraq Veteran - L.Tammy Duckworth - who was appointed by President Obama as Assistant Secretary for Public & Inter-Government Affairs for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.  She lost both legs and part of an arm when a rocket grenade hit her Black Hawk she was co-piloting.  Merry Lynn will present another mixed-ability dance presentation she choreographed for REVolutions Dance Company dancers. It looks like another inspiring event......Praise God! Everyone is welcome.  Hope to see you there just before noon. It will have more camera coverage this year.

Love His Sonshine

Florida Mental Health Institute Hosts Dance Chair Exhibition





Each year, the Florida Mental Health Institute hosts a "Fall Artist Reception". They spotlighted the Rolling Dance Chair Project exhibiting, performing, and demonstrating several innovative mobility devices - from Segways, rolling chairs, dance chairs, etc.. Merry Lynn Morris (USF Professor College of The Arts) with Dwayne Scheuneman (REVolutions Dance Company), performed with an almost magical grace and ethereal quality to their gliding multi-dimensional dance pieces and demonstrations. Dwayne (who suffers a C-7 spinal cord injury from a diving accident) utilized the dance chair with grace and inspiration to everyone. The audience was a very diverse population as the USF Collaborative for Children, Families, & Communities also sponsored this exhibition- . Audience response in questions, interaction, education, fun, and curiosity was really encouraging for our project. I am so grateful to be part of this great initiative! May God bless all! PTL! Love His Sonshine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2okXSUo3-s or http://www.twitvid.com/YNCFG

Seated Art Museum Tour !

Our very first tour .... with mobility / accessibility awareness. And, we got to do this with Sandra Sroka, ADA Liaison for Hillsborough County! She ended up trying the hands-free prototype chair, also..... Thank you Sandra for your encouragement and support! We had a great afternoon with you and appreciate your efforts!

This is the second time at the USF Contemporary Art Museum. And, this time ..... the new construction had been all completed. It looked great! We will be going again in November for the Carlos Garaicoa exhibit "Making Amends".... hope to see you there! / Merry Lynn Morris

http://www.twitvid.com/XZHFZ or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkNwIUdT0hA

Philip Shore Magnet School Puts Dance Moves On A Segway!

Philip Shore Elementary .... or Shore Magnet School .... sponsored with teacher Ashley Wilson (USF Dance Alumni) - a demonstration of the dance chair project. Later, 3 young students really learned a lot about balance and even some dance connective moves while on a Segway and a secretarial chair! Really cute ... ! Our thanks so much to Ashley & Philip Shore for sponsoring us ... and keeping interest, inclusion, and learning ... for our dance chair / mobility project!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXaiKq3_-G8 or http://www.twitvid.com/4IB3B

On a "connectivity" note - A Little Historical Reference to Ybor City & Philip Shore:

While I was doing this video and now posting it... I (with my mom - His Sonshine) recalled that Philip Shore (or Shore Magnet School) is located in Ybor City - the "cultural center" and heart of all diversity in Tampa, Florida!

Virtually EVERYONE and EVERY CULTURE! is represented here .... from Greek to Swiss! And, I know this very well from my own heritage.

My Great-Grandfather Arnold along with his brother Armand Allemand (both Swiss immigrants) - came to Tampa, Florida in the late 1800's because of the "buzz" Henry M. Flagler created and Henry B. Plant with all the ongoing beautiful construction of the magnificent and grand Tampa Hotel (with the minarets - a Russian-type "fantasy" architecture at the time).

Arnold was married to Louise Zwiefel (also Swiss). Her sisters Regala and Ursula came to Tampa to visit her with all the goings on. Arnold (a jeweler and watchmaker) with Louise ran a little general store with the jewelry and watch repair shop in the back on Florida Avenue in Tampa. Arnold and Armand also worked on much of the construction going on... and eventually built their own homes with their own hands. Arnold's in Tarpon Springs (Pineapple Street - it still stands!) - and Armand's in Plant City where he married a local girl with a French background. While Louise was trying to manage everything and also raising her little son (Arnold, Jr. - my grandfather) in Tarpon Springs, Florida, her often-visiting sister Regala met and married a handsome Greek who worked the sponge docks.

Along this time came Philippe Costa an Italian immigrant from Sicily. He made his way to Tampa and opened a grocery store in 1898. His name change was to Philip Shore because it seem to translate that way. Eventually he became successful and worked with Henry B. Plant. By 1922, he was a school board member and saw to building a school in Ybor City - Philip Shore Elementary School.

The romantic ideals of these people and their accomplishments does continue.... and it is this connectivity to the past which should inspire us all - even if it is just to notice, record, and keep the continuity of it all.

As romantic as it all seemed - there were certainly the "other" sides and stories with not always the best of endings. Yet, some of the pictures are just beautiful! (Like going back in time.) It leaves us all quite a legacy to keep up with the students, children, arts, and all individuals we are privileged to be alive with in the present - and even around the world. The future is now!

Great-Grandpa Arnold made a lot of beautiful jewelry for his wife, Louise. She passed on when I was about 6 years old - (she was almost 100!). She left my mom her diamond earrings - and my sentimental mom wrote the story of the two brothers, the sisters, etc... and donated the earrings with the story to the Tampa Historical Society. She knew that Louise would really love that!

The Grand Tampa Hotel - turned into University of Tampa (with the minarets still!). And, I teach ballet and choreography there. Philip Shore (who, as a grocer in 1898, would have possibly even known Arnold and Armand) - passed on in 1929 - but leaves this wonderful school which in 1998 became Shore Magnet School for the Visual, Performing, & Communication Arts. I really enjoyed the demonstration presentation with our dance chair project and "choreographing" with the students on a Segway.

Armand passed on in Plant City and is buried there while my Grandfather (himself in his 90's) makes sure it is well-kept. Regala went to live in Athens with her Greek husband, and I have many Greek cousins from there.

Henry M. Flagler and Henry B. Plant .... left so many connections everywhere - (there are also connections to these same men on my dad's side of the family.)

In whatever way any of us realize the connections, it still remains that TODAY the NEEDS ARE REAL! I hope that we can continue in the inspiration with realization.

w/hope

Merry Lynn Morris

It Is Not A Competition......

We all spend our lives in lines, in spaces, in time..... coming & going, in & out.... and waiting, and waiting. Sometimes we are hopeful for all the plans we make. Sometimes, we make no plans - we just show up & hope.

Sometimes there is a great breakthrough .... either in personal encouragement & identity.... or just that those around us are working in areas of discovery, invention, excitement..... & we get to attach in some real or vicarious way.

Sometimes .... MOST TIMES! .... none of us will ever get to have those 15 minutes of fame. But, what is truly sad about that.... ?! No one person can ever realize the impact that just one idea, one person, one prayer, one individual, one creative event or thought really has in our vast world & universe.

We are ALL connected. We are ALL needed. From the least to the most! Everyone is a part.

Personally, I love our Lord and the example of being part of the Body of Christ. If you are a little finger, to the eye, or an earlobe..... from the least to the most important (heart / brain)...... Each and every part is necessary to make the Body WHOLE!

I also love the example that it is "the least among us" .... who has the most value to God & is the GREATEST! (if one can imagine that) ....!! With that idea in mind..... how could anyone EVER COMPETE at being "The Least Among Us" ??! .... competing in humbleness & being NOT noticed?.....

So, once in awhile ... some of us (oh yeah - me, too!) fall into the world's sway ... trying to defend ourselves in such childish ways ... of "we were first!" .... or "me . .. me ... notice me! everyone!" .... or even to establish that "I didn't make THAT mistake, etc... ... I am above THAT ___________ (& fill in the blank here with whatever minutia we all tend to regard in our brief little lives....)

Thankfully, God sees the true intent, however.... & only judges us in our hearts. For so many times, I now realize as I age, that others really were acting in love (even if it were as a "survival"-type love.... ). I can see that sometimes people believe certain others are somehow a possible "threat" to their personal survival, their family, their particular niche in life..... yes, and of course a threat to their ego / identity. And, so they judge others .... by ignoring them, or by other equally unkind tactics.

We really are all connected... and each is so needed. Kindness & Encouragement.... NOT competition will bring about the beautiful grace our Lord has already accomplished. We may need to "run the good race to win it!" - but it is for ourselves we "compete" ... not "against" anyone else. In Loving our Neighbor / AND Enemy ... as ourselves... & praying they ALL be blessed ..... it would be difficult to even attempt a competition in this. It is just not a competition for anything.... in accomplishments, in talents.... the list is endless ---- For "ambition" is a strange delusion - - and a cast shadow has more substance than "ambition" has reality..

At some future date, I will re-publish on our blog my own personal testimony, my husband's he wrote, & our daughter. I really had quite a revelation from God (41 years ago!).... and I love to listen/read individual testimonies myself. For ALL men are taught by God! ... and as many individuals as there are in all of time ... are as many unique testimonies & unique lives in our Lord! It is really so not a competition! How could it be? I can never be you, nor can anyone be me.... and for all the rest .... Our Father in Heaven provides & knows the mystery of His Ways in Wisdom.... thankfully .... that is not a competition either! What a relief! Grace!

If you have a comment, testimony link, etc... you are so welcome to share. I have enjoyed reading several already! Thank you! Everyone is needed in contributing ideas & sharing in all of our lives & innovations to keep developing!

Love in our Lord,

His Sonshine

The Ins & Outs of VANS & WHEELCHAIRS

Our thanks to Sergio Scognamiglio for this great demonstration of the SUPER ARM LIFT which aids in Disability for getting in & out of a VAN with simple mechanical mobility devices.

Merry Lynn Morris interviewed & videoed this demonstration by Sergio for aid in understanding and/or even simplicity of mechanical engineering for those who may be curious & could improve. Sergio simplifies the strap closing doors of the van.... & the Super Arm Lift only takes very small space to install... utilizing electric not hydraulic.

Thank you Sergio... for all you do!!! & your wonderful family!
Love His Sonshine!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktD7-YtmsHg or http://www.twitvid.com/T6WZP

Wired Science Interviews Dance Chair USF!

There are so many ways to connect.... Wired Science of PBS did a fantastic job of overview in all of disability... ultimately interviewing the ""BALLET DANCE CHAIR!" w/Merry Lynn Morris .. pretty inspirational & outcome to so many of us waiting.... sure could USE THIS NOW!!! Thank you, God that this is in anyway in the wings or performing, or in vision now! PTL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mEgoHRF5gg or http://www.twitvid.com/PIW6K


This video prompted the full understanding of the design patent process & interpreting Intellectual Property & Artistic Freedom & utilizing NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreements) as well confidentiality clauses. Many thanks to all those in the Arts (Dean Ron Jones) & those who understand IP Law .... for all the assistance ... our attorney friend David Henry.... & IP / Patent Law attorneys .... Bob Frijouf, Dan Frijouf & David Frijouf for being involved pro bono! It was a first for USF to have ideas generated directly & initiated solely from the College of the Arts..... a natural creativity & idea environment!

{Notes on Patent Process: Merry Lynn Morris is the initiator & on the Initial Patent.. & subsequent Design Patents for this "Dance Chair".. which she named herself initially the "Rolling Dance Chair" Project... from her experiences & vision since 2002... initiated chair interpretation in 2004 (with informal devices that only she & I  placed on her Dad's manual wheelchair without any assistance or ideas from anyone else), a formal meeting w/Engineering USF in 2005 with schematics & design drawings made solely by Merry Lynn Morris from a donated power chair, & a grant established to her as principal investigator with The Arts in 2006.... patent submitted by 2007 .... w/then 3rd group of student engineers... & then re-submitted in 2008 under revision request..... fully granted (after following & patent review... by 2010.) USF Design patent in 2009... with further patents by process submission... continuing... 2010..11..`12... It is a wonderful learning experience & journey!}

Love His Sonshine

Art / Museum Tours in Hands-Free Chairs

We put together this video for a conference on Art & Museum accessibility for disabled ....a LEAD Conference in Minneapolis (Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability). The patent on our chair just was fully approved. More upgrades are in the works.

__________________________________________________________________________

This video shows a hands-free model as one could tour an art gallery, work on a computer station or otherwise utilize (disabled or not) ..... a sit-down / hands-free "work" chair which mimics human hovering & natural (weight pulling) interaction with others. The options are really as endless as our imagination.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1QfOiqonFo or http://www.twitvid.com/JZ3IC

{NOTE: The Honda video below is only as a comparative industry - one by Japanese innovation ..... they also see touring an art gallery as a possibility & example! Their engineering uses the Segway-type inner gyroscope mechanism which we originally experimented with & still do. It uses a wheel-within-a-wheel approach .... & allows for omni-direction as well the side-to-side motion we are trying to achieve for people of diverse body types and/or abilities seated rather than balancing.}

http://youtu.be/cuIJRsAuCHQ
It is very coincidental that we have video on some of our Museum tours ..... on some "hands-free""chairs.... with our unique chair design.... utilizing two dancers as models for the chairs. Although I am thrilled & thank the Lord for the Honda innovation!!! PTL! to get the mobility awareness & innovation out!..... Our dancers, models, & just regular folk... are sure a lot more comfortable!! I will be sharing these videos with everyone soon.

Love in our Lord,
His Sonshine & Merry Lynn

Senators View Dance Chair with Merry Lynn Morris

Senators Lee Constantine, Evelyn Lynn, & Director Kurt Hamon Check out the New Invention - Dance Chair at the Florida State Capitol!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwW3XnY1dUU or http://www.twitvid.com/KAGOW


Our homage to Senator Jim King who passed 3 months after this video from pancreatic cancer... thank you for your wit, wisdom, humour, & service! May God Bless your family always!
Love, in our Lord,
His Sonshine

New Port Richey Library .............."Making A Diverse Community HUMAN ART SCULPTURE!"

We sure do have a lot of fun and love in seeing God's "Works of Art" ..... that would be children, and you, and me! This was at the New Port Richey Library in Florida. I was on the video camera while Merry Lynn Morris presented a Mixed-Ability Dance Presentation & Demonstration. Then, the audience was invited to interact with the Dancers. The result was a very diverse community HUMAN ART SCULPTURE..... of mixed ability, race, age......! PRAISE GOD!....... Love His Sonshine

{ http://www.twitvid.com/P6RKJ or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0VRuAKq1oA }

ADA at MOSI Merry Lynn Morris & Dwayne Scheuneman Rehearsal

Segways & Wheelchairs & Prototypes & Rehearsals! At MOSI Museum of Science & Industry!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByqAm3SPqFE or http://www.twitvid.com/QWVST

I Have to Add This

HANDS FREE FOR THE CAREGIVER, TOO! Praise God!

These things can really change lives & add incredible quality!

http://youtu.be/3xXhnJuPlV4
We had this in USA in 2004 & 2005 ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcMrSABH474 or http://www.twitvid.com/BZZFM SEE BELOW

Dance Interaction Illusion by Merry Lynn Morris 2005

Wireless Joystick Following

Oh... by the way... the commercial video below is just ONE of the golf caddy wireless & all terrain, etc... been around for years & years & years.....Think of all the HUMAN TRANSPORT POSSIBILITIES..... PTL! & Thank God there are so many caring people trying to add quality, healing, health! Technology is also inspired by God to help a hurting world in so many ways. Praise God!
http://youtu.be/0qir0bUeDzs

Below is another WIRELESS Smart Wheelchair from 2006 By Cuitech (not us)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJF-TUrtS74
http://youtu.be/IJF-TUrtS74

Jazz in a Wheelchair - Merry Lynn Morris & John Parks

Professors Merry Lynn Morris & John Parks of the USF Dance Department demonstrate the prototype wheelchair to the big band music of "In the Mood" at the Marshall Center Ballroom for the Unstoppable USF Campaign.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDvIV0AUd9g or http://www.twitvid.com/DGL69