THE 'MAC' and 'Mini MAC': New tools for better seating assessment, prescription and production
Julie Bolton and Sue McCabe
The 'MAC' (Multi-adjustable Assessment Chair) was designed and developed by clinical and technical staff at the Equipment and Assistive Technology Service at the Cerebral Palsy Association of Western Australia.
Clinicians and technicians involved in the challenge of providing appropriate seating for people with complex needs are aware of the importance of getting all parameters of the seating system 'just right'. This can be a difficult and time consuming process, particularly when creating a custom designed seating system. Often, it is not until the system is almost completed and the client is well supported that the team can make more informed decisions about factors such as the best seat/base angle, best line of pull for pelvic strap, or the exact position required for the headrest. The process can be a long, costly and frustrating one of make - assess - re-make - reassess - until the seating system is just right.
The MAC and Mini MAC provide a seating assessment system that can be easily adjusted across all necessary parameters for optimal seating and postural support. This presentation will include an outline of the design process, discussion of the features of the MAC and the Mini MAC and their clinical application for the process of seating assessment, prescription and production to provide customised postural control for every client.
Case studies will be presented to demonstrate the clinical application of the MAC and Mini MAC.
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