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

Proportional Non-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