 |
 |
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 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 www.treloar.org.uk -----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