Page 15 - Mobility Management, August 2019

Meridian’s design promotes a neutral pelvis position, especially important for clients prone to extensor tone or thrusting. The thigh and pelvic chambers form a pre-ischial ridge to prevent ITs from sliding forward. Releasing more air from the pelvic chamber than the thigh chamber provides added postural support by creating dump or squeeze that “holds” the client in place. VARILITE
(800) 827-4548
https://www.varilite.com/products_detail.aspx?prodID=6
Twin Headrest Hardware
Twin Headrest Mounting Hardware is truly universal. New options include a Flip mechanism and a Dynamic feature to increase the hardware’s range of
function. A telescoping feature
allows fine positioning of the headrest without tools to make adjustments more convenient for caregivers.
Twin Headrest Hardware with
Flip+ moves the headrest out of the
way quickly while staying attached
to the wheelchair, eliminating
misplacement. The spring-loaded
locking collar is clearly labeled
and easily slides to allow the headrest to move rearward. When locked, the vertical post is rigid with no wiggle.
The Twin Headrest Hardware with Dynamic+ provides tone deflection and controlled horizontal movement of the headrest. Force absorption protects the client and their hardware, and accommodates extensor tone. The spring tension is available in firm or soft and can be changed at any time without tools. The Dynamic+ feature can be turned on or off by turning the knob, providing a rigid or dynamic headrest mount.
The Twin with Forward Flex hardware has all the same great features as the Twin Hardware, then adds extended range so headrests can be mounted 17" (43cm) forward of the backrest. It’s ideal for accommodating a kyphotic posture.
Symmetric Designs
(250) 537-2177
https://www.symmetric-designs.com/headrest-mounting-hardware
Tek RMD
The Tek Robotic Mobilization Device
is not a wheelchair alternative, but
a brand-new mobility platform that completely reimagines the way individ- uals with paraplegia and other walking disabilities are able to move in the world. The ability to independently and safely sit, stand and navigate environments
that were once inaccessible is now possible, safe and available. Tek RMD is a
patented, CE Marked, and FDA 510(k)-cleared technology.
Matia Robotics
(801) 997-1812
https://www.matiarobotics.com
Softwheel 3.0
Softwheels integrate shock-absorbing spokes into a rigid wheel- chair wheel. The result: the absorption of more than 75 percent of all energy transferred to the
user’s body through the wheel-
chair frame from uneven surfaces, cracks, curbs, etc. Softwheel fits virtually any standard wheelchair axle mount, and reduces pain, increases comfort, and gives a greater sense of stability to manual chair users.
Series 3.0 is narrower, 25 percent lighter, features absolutely silent operation, and is also avail- able for the first time in a carbon fiber version.
Unlike shock-absorbing wheelchair frames, Softwheel allows the weight of a suspension system (approximately 4 lbs. more in total for a set of two wheels over standard aluminum rims) to be integrated into a wheel. This allows active transfers to be relatively easy, as one wheel is only 2 lbs. heavier, instead of additional weight being added to the frame. This system also allows the user to use multiple chairs and simply transfer the shock-absorbing rims to another platform.
Softwheel Technology
(612) 670-3187
www.softwheel.technology
Independence Drive
The Independence Drive electronics system combines proprietary software, a modified tablet computer and an eye-tracking camera to create a “virtual joystick” for power wheelchairs.
To operate the wheelchair, a user looks at the appropriate graphic on the tablet to move the chair in eight directions. Multiple safety features ensure
that the chair stops when the
user looks away, whether deliber- ately or unintentionally.
The Independence Drive
concept originated when Steve
Gleason, a former NFL player
living with ALS, issued a challenge during a Microsoft hackathon in 2014. His idea was to improve technology so people with ALS and other disabilities would be able to move their wheelchairs
by eye tracking. Microsoft then created a research prototype that demonstrated the feasibility of eye-controlled wheelchair naviga- tion. That work inspired Gleason’s foundation, Team Gleason, to
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