"What convinced me were the wide range of grip patterns, the prosthesis's reliable performance, and its modern design.
Dorothee's Story
My Prosthesis in the Classroom
Hi, I’m Dorothee. I wear a below-elbow prosthesis and work as an elementary school teacher.
My prosthesis was never a reason not to choose this profession. What adults might have to think twice about is usually no issue at all for children. They approach me without prejudice and ask their questions openly and honestly. Has it ever been a problem? No – otherwise, this wouldn’t be the right profession for me.
For many years, I wore a myoelectric below-elbow prosthesis with a silicone cover. It closely resembled a natural hand, so many people didn’t even notice it at first glance.
That’s why the children’s questions were usually about why I wear a prosthesis:
-
“What is that?”
-
“Where is your real hand?”
-
“Does it hurt?”
-
“Is there a bone underneath?”
After the first few days, the topic usually faded into the background, and our focus returned to what mattered most – learning together in the classroom.
How Has the VINCENTevolution Changed My Everyday Life as a Teacher?
Over time, I realized that my previous prosthesis was no longer providing the functional support I needed. I had to compensate for many movements with my other hand, which increasingly led to strain and overuse.
After seeking professional advice, I decided to switch to the VINCENTevolution by Vincent Systems. What convinced me were its wide range of grip patterns, its reliable performance, and its modern design.
Of course, it took some time to become confident using the different grips. But with every passing week, the hand became more and more of a genuine support in my daily life. I could securely hold an apple, carry books without twisting my shoulder, and many everyday tasks suddenly became much easier.
What had once been my attitude – “A prosthesis can be helpful, but it isn’t essential” – gradually changed to: “My prosthesis truly makes everyday life easier.”
A Prosthetic Glove – or No Glove at All?
At first, I wore my VINCENTevolution with a skin-toned cosmetic glove. Later, when different color options became available, I chose a skin-colored version of the prosthesis itself.
What I found particularly interesting, however, was how the children's questions changed. Suddenly, they were no longer asking why I wore a prosthesis – they wanted to know how it worked:
-
“How does it work?”
-
“Can you write with it?”
-
“How do you change the grips?”
-
“Can you open a bottle with it?”
-
“Can you swim with it?”
The focus was no longer on my disability, but on the technology itself. I found that incredibly refreshing. The children's natural curiosity also helped me become more confident in the way I talk about and wear my prosthesis. Today, I enjoy wearing hand prostheses in different colors.
My Conclusion: A Hand Prosthesis Creates More Than Function – It Creates Openness
Over the years, I have become more confident not only in using the different grip patterns, but also in answering the many questions that come with them.
Whenever I take on a new class, having a question-and-answer session about my prosthesis is simply part of the introduction. Anyone who wants to is welcome to touch and explore it. Only once everyone's curiosity has been satisfied do we begin the lesson.
Today, my “robot hand” is a completely natural part of everyday school life. To the children, it isn't a flaw or something unusual – it's a fascinating piece of technology. And it is precisely this openness that makes our time together in the classroom so easy and uncomplicated.