Independently Accessible Mounting and Positioning Technology
By Goodwin, Dianne; Challenges for Assistive Technology: AAATE 2007 Conference Proceedings, pp. 35-39Publication Date: 2007
Paper presents a wheelchair mounting and positioning system designed to increase the independence and access of people with disabilities. The system allows customization for a person’s needs and abilities, including setting specific lock position, adjusting the force required to move it, and adjusting the tilt. Single or dual arm configurations may be used, and multiple arms and devices may attach to a single upright post. The user interfaces for unlocking the arms require minimal effort, and a person can perform all functions one-handed. Wheelchair, bed, and table mounts facilitate its use in various environments. User input was obtained during the development of the system via focus groups and individual and small-group testing. Questions were put to users regarding system features such as arm length and width, preferred user interfaces for lock setting, and the lock/unlock mechanism. In-depth feedback was obtained from a woman with amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who used an early-stage prototype for a year and found the mount to greatly impact her independence, health and quality of life.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
Link to text: http://www.blueskydesigns.us/pdfs/aaate.pdf
ISBN: 978-1-58603-791-8
