‘Smart’ wheelchairs for mobility training

Issue title: Seating and Wheeled Mobility

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Nisbet, Paul | Craig, John | Odor, Phil | Aitken, Stuart

Affiliations: CALL Centre, University of Edinburgh, Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Abstract: The CALL Smart Wheelchair is an augmentative mobility aid, designed for children who cannot operate conventional powered wheelchairs. This article focuses on how the chairs are used for developing children's driving skills. The Smart Wheelchair and its functions are reviewed, and the approach to training outlined. Three cases studies are described: two of children who used the chair to develop full control of conventional, joystick controlled chairs, and one of a child who still relics on the Smart facilities. To finish, we look in more detail at individual driving skills, and how different Smart Tools can be used to promote their development.

Keywords: Powered wheelchairs, Training, Augmentative mobility

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1996-5107

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 49-62, 1996