Hi Jodie



We have made a powered mount which rotates the VOCA so that it is end on to the client for driving. It works well but obviously adds some complexity and expense to the mount. For more able bodied users it is possible to replace the actuator with a mechanical mechanism to do the rotation. 



We have thought about the use of a camera to give a view around the VOCA and the C12 (I think) has a forward looking camera mounted in the back.  The client can switch between the VOCA screen and forward view.  



Regards

Mike Broadhurst

Regional Technical Aid Service

Newcastle upon Tyne



-----Original Message-----

From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.

[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jodie Rogers

Sent: 28 February 2011 19:05

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: Safety issues of driving Powered chairs with VOCA's mounted





Hi Mike,



I have been directed to the WRAMP today so I shall take a closer look

at this.  I would be interested in knowing how you get on with the

automated height adjustment mount for VOCA's (although I agree the more

complicated the technology gets the more it seems to go wrong!).  

Kind regards

Jodie



Jodie Rogers

Occupational Therapist



East Kent Adult CAT Service

Medical Physics Dept

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Toad

Canterbury CT1 3NG



Tel: 01227 864083



>>> "Loxley, Mike" <[log in to unmask]> 28/02/2011 18:18 >>>

Hi Jodie, 



Here at Treloar's we access each client individually. The majority of

our clients who use a VOCA have it mounted to their powered wheelchair

using the Daessy rear folding mounting system. We undertake risk

assessment in terms of installation, means of operation, controls,

cables, switches, environment etc. We base this not just on the client's

vision but also driving skills, since hitting a door frame with a £

7,000 VOCA can prove dangerous, frustrating and expensive.

We always provide written safety information to clients and their

carers/families as to whether the VOCA should be in position when

driving. (we find the provision of laminated photos/diagrams that can be

hung on the wheelchair effective, since few users in the real world read

manuals) We also custom make 'crash covers' to protect screens when

VOCAs are crammed into bags or folded behind a wheelchair and are liable

to collision damage. 



Some while ago, Treloar's worked with other centres on the WRAMP group

document (the Wheelchair Risk Assessment and Mounting Process), and this

is designed to logically look at the factors in mounting communication

equipment onto wheelchairs. (The doc can be downloaded in Word format

from the North Bristol NHS Trust website; Google "WRAMP AAC mounting")



Treloar's also looked at using motorized camera mounts as a means for

clients to raise or lower their VOCA at the press of a button - but of

course bringing in another level of technology frequently causes more

problems than it solves!



regards Mike,



Michael Loxley, Engineering Manager, Treloar Trust Assistive

Technology. Upper Froyle, Alton, Hants GU34 4LA 

direct phone: 01420 526550   email:  [log in to unmask]   

Treloar Trust,  Registered charity No. 1092857 



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-----Original Message-----

From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.

[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jodie Rogers

Sent: 26 February 2011 14:39

To: [log in to unmask] 

Subject: Safety issues of driving Powered chairs with VOCA's mounted





Hi All,

I was just wondering how other AT services manage the safety issues

surrounding mounting of Large VOCA's (such as ECOpoint and Powerbox7)

onto powered chairs as there is often a compromise of positioning for

access vs visual field for driving.  Do other services provide safety

advice for powered chair users re. driving their chair when the VOCA is

in situ (considering the obvious visual field restriction) - if so can I

ask what advice do you give?

Many thanks

Jodie



Jodie Rogers

Occupational Therapist



East Kent Adult CAT Service

Medical Physics Dept

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Toad

Canterbury CT1 3NG



Tel: 01227 864083



This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the

recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged

information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used by any

other person unless express permission is given. It does not establish a

contractual agreement. If you are not a named recipient, please contact

the sender and delete the e-mail from your system. Although this is

believed to be free from viruses, it is the recipient's responsibility

to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to check.



The views expressed in this e-mail are those of the author, and not

necessarily those of Treloar Trust.



Treloar Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England

No. 4466362

Registered office: Froyle House, Upper Froyle, Alton, Hampshire GU34

4JX

Charity No. 1092857