Powered Mobility and Electronic Assistive Technology

Overview Introduction Outcomes Power Wheelchair manufacturers What can be controlled Summary

Modern power wheelchairs now have the options to control a PC, mobile phone or other technology around us

Positive outcomes Same input device controls all Reduced number of control devices (mouse, remote control units, joysticks, switches etc.) User will not need assistance to gain access to other controls and hence more independence Improved ergonomics (no stretching over wheelchair tray) Portability Remove the need for a height adjustable table, specially designed cut-out in table for PC access Can reduced overall cost of technology solution (not always the case)

Challenges User may be more efficient at using another input devices other than wheelchair control A problem with the power wheelchair may lead to loss of control with everything Setup may require user to change original joystick on power chair

Can you setup integrated controls on any power chair? Yes, but may need considerable upgrade of wheelchair components

Power wheelchair manufacturers Invacare (78% of Irish Market) –Dynamic controls (majority) –PG Drive Technology Sunrise Medical –Delphi –PG Drive Technology‏ Drive Medical –Dynamic controls –PG Drive Technology‏ Permobil –PG Drive Technology –Dynamics

DX DX2 Shark (budget) Rhino (scooter) R-series (scooter) R-net VR2 (budget) VSI (budget) S-Drive (scooter)

Enhanced Display for Sunrise Medical (Delphi controls) Genie+ for (Dynamic Controls) DX2 REM550 for Dynamic Controls Genie Joystick for Dynamic Controls Easy Rider - Can be used on various chairs Omni module for PG Drives Technology (r-net only)

Switch Finger joystick Sip and puff Mini joystick Standard joystick Switch array ProportionalNon-Proportional Switch scanner

PC access Mouse emulator –Infra red –Bluetooth Onscreen keyboard Dwell click

Environmental control Infra-red –TV, music player –Door opener –Curtain and window opener –IR telephone Cable –Relays module –Communication machine –External ECU device

Mobile phone control Smart phone with application software Application software enables user to text, dial and answer calls E.g. “ClickTophone” Some mobile phones may have limited access

Factors to consider Aesthetics Users ability to access other devices What is involved in the setup How intuitive it is for user Functionality Responsiveness of mouse control Support from manufacturer Cost

What is involved in the setup? Unfortunately you cannot just swap a joystick Parameters related to the motors, batteries and other modules on the a chair are stored on the Joystick New Joystick comes with a generic setup Requires a PC with software and special cable to set up Typically a technician and therapist may be involved

Summary Integration of powered wheelchair and AT enables the user to have control of their environment and their power wheelchair using the one input device Most power wheelchairs can be setup to integrate with other assistive technology Needs a level expertise and specialist tools to setup