Alternative and integrated controls for powered wheelchairs

In past years there were few alternatives to the standard joystick for driving electric motor powered wheelchairs. Frustratingly, these joysticks could not be used to operate other assistive technologies such as communication devices, environmental control systems and computers. Recently a number of integrated power wheelchair control systems have been developed. These include: the Genie Joystick and the ClickToGo designed by Brian Dillon from Ireland, and the wiseDX developed by Colin Clayton in the United Kingdom. The Genie Joystick is a DX master control system which has infrared control facilities integrated into the unit. The ClickToGo is another DX master control unit which offers a range of switch and switch scanning control options. The wiseDX is a fully integrated DX control system which offers joystick and/or programmable switch control of a user's DX powered wheelchair, as well as environmental controls, computer access, and augmentative communication devices. The processes involved in setting up these control systems for users of powered wheelchairs will be described. Individual case studies will also be presented, highlighting the significant enhancements in independence achieved with the application of these integrated powered mobility controls.

Description

This three hour workshop will include presentations from the developers of the alternative, integrated wheelchair control systems: Colin Clayton and Brian Dillon, who are travelling to Australia for this conference. A number of case studies of individual users of these controls will be presented highlighting the degree of independence achieved by their application into every day living.

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