Thanks to everyone who commented on this query - it sounds like a riser is
important. Next question, if I may: can anyone recommend good wheelchairs
with risers, and/or risers that can be retro-fitted to wheelchairs? (She
already has an NHS chair, but I haven't found out what sort it is yet.)
Paul
__________________________________
Paul D. Nisbet
Senior Research Fellow / Joint Coordinator
CALL Centre, University of Edinburgh
Paterson's Land, Holyrood Road
Edinburgh EH8 8AQ
Tel. 0131 651 6236
Fax. 0131 651 6234
[log in to unmask]
http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk
__________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of anne HARRIS
Sent: 22 April 2004 16:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: swheelchairs with adjustable height seats for school
Hi Paul
We provide many children with adjustable height powered wheelchairs to
access their environment at school, eg science labs, design &
technology, school libraries at secondary lvel. This works very well
for them and allows disabled children to sit at the same tables as their
able-bodied peers for these lessons. This is especially important in
science where they may not necessarily be able to handle the equipment
themselves, but being apart of the group who carry out experiments,
provides a much better experience than being with an educational care
assistance. It also means they are able to benefit form the social
interaction, as sometimes they can be integrated but not necessarily
included. Socially at school pupils spend a lot of time standing up
outside at breaks, a riser allows them to be at an equal height with
their peers in this situation, so that people are not always talking
over their heads. Eye to eye contact is important when communicating.
Hope this is helpful. Anne
Anne Harris
Regional Mobility Therapist
Whizz-Kidz
Tel: 0115-9761172
Transform the life of a disabled child
There are so many ways you can help us give disabled children the
independence they've only ever dreamed of. Visit our website for ideas
www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Or call us on 020 7233 6600
Whizz-Kidz is a national charity that changes the lives of disabled
children by providing advice, information and customised mobility
equipment that is not available from the NHS.
Whizz-Kidz 1 Warwick Row, London, SW1E 5ER
020 7233 6600
www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 802872
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-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul D. Nisbet
Sent: 22 April 2004 16:03
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: swheelchairs with adjustable height seats for school
Hi folks
Here's a problem which I'm sure you guys have tackled many times:
We've a client in primary school who is due to go to secondary school
next
term, who drives a powered chair. At a planning visit to the secondary
school the staff pointed out that she would have difficulty accessing
all
the different desks and workbenches that are in the subject classrooms,
and
were asking if a chair with adjustable height seat would be suitable -
eg
Spectra Plus Riser. My initial reaction is that a wheelchair tray might
be
more practical and a lot cheaper, but I expect it could be very useful
to
have adjustable height as well. Anyone used such things in this sort of
situation?
Paul
__________________________________
Paul D. Nisbet
Senior Research Fellow / Joint Coordinator
CALL Centre, University of Edinburgh
Paterson's Land, Holyrood Road
Edinburgh EH8 8AQ
Tel. 0131 651 6236
Fax. 0131 651 6234
[log in to unmask]
http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk
__________________________________
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