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
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