Powered Mobility and Electronic
Assistive Technology
Overview
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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
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DX
DX2
Shark (budget)
Rhino (scooter)
R-series (scooter)
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R-net
VR2 (budget)
VSI (budget)
S-Drive (scooter)
Enhanced Display
for Sunrise Medical
(Delphi controls)
Genie+ for
(Dynamic
Controls)
Omni module for PG
Drives Technology (r-net
only)
Easy Rider - Can be
used on various
chairs
DX2 REM550 for
Dynamic Controls
Genie Joystick for
Dynamic Controls
Proportional
Standard
joystick
Finger
joystick
Mini
joystick
Non-Proportional
Switch
Sip and puff
Switch
array
Switch
scanner
PC access
• Mouse emulator
– Infra red
– Bluetooth
• Onscreen keyboard
• Dwell click
Environmental control
• Infra-red
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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
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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