What is so radically different about the Alinker? Watch the TEDx talk Barbara Alink recently did about the design process and vision behind the Alinker.
Barbara designed the Alinker for the experience of the user and instead of approaching the functional requirements for the physical disability, her design premise for the Alinker was that it needed to be cool, so cool that the user would love to use it. So cool that the user would feel proud and be happy, and ultimately so cool that it would overcome the discomfort that other people have with the disability.
On the Alinker you can be upright and actively moving, be at eye-level, have your hands free, have no stress on the lower limbs, sit with good posture, be stable and feel safe.
As seen on
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Changing Lives
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Our Mission
The Alinker was introduced to the Dutch market after a crowdfunding campaign in 2015. There is now a loyal customer base in the Netherlands, full of users and partners who love to share with us what they can do, now that they have an Alinker. Whether it’s being able to walk their dog everyday, or participate in a 20k walk, the Alinker allows people to live their lives, fully and happy.
Our mission is to create revolutionary solutions for people who want to live an active life, regardless of physical challenges. Our goal is to make it as easy and fun as possible for people to stay physically active, socially connected, and emotionally engaged in the community.
We think the Alinker can change the world, and we need your help.
"Do what you’re passionate about and take care of each other! Don’t let anything stand in your way"
- Barbara Alink
Our Story
Barbara Alink is a Dutch designer, architect, humanitarian, and inventor of the Alinker, who now lives in Canada.
The Alinker story started with a comment of Barbara’s aging mother- Antonia Esman. While passing some elderly people with walkers and scooters, she said: "over my dead body will I ever use one of those!”. Barbara set out to design something better for her mum, but started realizing that what she set out to design needed to become a vehicle for social change, challenging our assumptions about people with disabilities.
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"I never cared to be cool, until I was not cool anymore."
- John Perry Barlow
Do what you love, no matter what
Conventional designs aim to transport the user from point A to point B, but neglect the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the individual.
Whether you are just getting older, feeling chronic aches and pains, or recovering from an injury, you probably want to keep living your life.
Introducing the Alinker
The Alinker is designed for people with mobility challenges or limitations who want to stay active no matter what. Most us of us enjoy physical exercise, social outings, and being included and treated like everyone else.
"It may sound dramatic, but the moment I got on the Alinker, my life changed...I have my legs back"
- Joe
Benefits of the Alinker
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Physical Activity
- Allows for low-impact, strength-building physical exercise
- Allows for travel across longer distances with less fatigue
- Lightweight, foldable frame for easy transport
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Social Inclusion
- User sits upright, at eye-level with their companions
- Allows for independent operation without assistance
- Allows users to feel equal & included
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Emotional Well-Being
- Instills hope & builds confidence
- Improves self-image
- Free to live an activity and social life
3 Ways to Help
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Order
Get an Alinker directly through the campaign. Alinkers are available in Small, Medium, or Large based on height. A limited number of Alinkers is available for delivery as early as June 2016, as well as exclusive custom campaign deals.
(Perks 4-11)
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Contribute
Contribute to an Alinker for someone else. Nominate someone who needs an
Alinker, email us at win@thealinker.com with the nominee's name,
contact info, and why they deserve to win an Alinker. You can make multiple contributions.
(Perks 1-3)
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Share
Spread the word and share this project with your friends; Together we'll change the world!
Goal & Stretch Goals
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We reached this goal in the first 24 hours! Thank you!
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We also reached this goal, we are so thrilled! We have already shipped Alinkers and are ordering more Small Alinkers! We will announce some amazing events where we will participate, thanks to you we can think further! Thank you!
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Now, we extended the campaign until the 20th of June! When we reach $300K it will allow us to set up for larger production runs and develop custom accessories like baskets & carry-on bags for the Alinker. Imagine a custom-made Alinker specific basket perfectly aligned with the frame lines of the Alinker...
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It would be a dream when you help us reach this goal. When we do, it allows us to start the development of the Alinker for children! Imagine! We receive many emails from parents telling us how perfect the Alinker would be for their kids who hate their walking aid. Here is an example of one of these emails.
"My sweet girl cannot walk or stand independently, she uses a walker and a wheelchair for long distances. She hates her walker and asks Santa to take it away...She would LOVE LOVE LOVE a run bike like this!"
Which Size Alinker Do I Need?
Perks
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$20
Nominate someone to be entered into a draw to win an Alinker + Thank you note from inventor.
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$90
Nominate someone to be entered into a draw to win an Alinker + Limited edition Alinker T-shirt
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$180
Receive a photobook of the Alinker's design history. This book, signed by the inventor, shows early sketches, photos of all stages, and describes the inventor's design process, including surprising details that you might have not expected!
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$350
Nominate someone to be entered into a draw to win an Alinker + Skype call with the inventor, Barbara Alink.
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$1000 down-payment only
DUE TO HIGH DEMAND and SOLD OUT FIRST RUNS!
Alinkers of the second run! Plus Alinker T-shirt.
Delivery date of another 9 Small, 40 Medium and 12 Large Alinkers can actually be delivered by the end of August!!! For further Alinker orders we are planning a consecutive production run. This is a down-payment only. Before they arrive you will receive the invoice for the remaining payment of $977 + shipping within USA or Canada
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$1977 + Shipping
Be one of the first people to ever use an Alinker in North America + get a limited edition Alinker T-shirt!
*Limited quantities available. Estimated delivery: June 2016
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$5000
With sponsoring this, your organization / company gets great exposure! Your name and logo
will be mentioned in all the press releases, at three events including
the VIP/Media Reception, the LA Fashion Week show on Oct. 2 and at the
International PWD Fashion Conference, Oct. 3 and 4, as well as during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion week in October the 17th October, on the websites of
Bezgraniz Couture as well as the Alinker Inventions Ltd. They will be
printed in the show programs and in the hand outs at these shows. You
will also receive a graphic that you can add to your own website,
showing that you support People With Disabilities.
Have a look at how amazing these shows are:
https://youtu.be/msLOeN7wOmM
Barbara spent a significant amount of time living abroad and working in countries like Afghanistan, building schools for children. Her experiences of living in foreign countries opened her eyes to the significance of community participation and social inclusion. As such, the Alinker is committed to donating 1 out of every 100 Alinkers to people affected by landmines, starting with veterans, wounded warriors.
for all Alinker merchandise. Product with purpose.
