AT Solutions at Home and in the Community
Grab Bars for Smooth Transfers
Jacqueline had recently moved from a developmental center to community placement. During the day, she attended a program at Abilities. This site was wheelchair accessible, but she had trouble transferring onto the toilet.
One of our rehabilitation technicians worked with Jacqueline’s therapist and the staff at Abilities to evaluate the restrooms and Jacqueline’s ability to transfer. Since the stall space was very tight, it made sense to transfer Jacqueline onto a shower/commode chair before getting into the stall, and then helping Jacqueline to wheel into the stall from there. To tap into as much of Jacqueline’s ability as possible, they found a way for her to help with the transfer, by adding additional grab-bars on the wall outside of the stall.
Leaving the developmental center can be a scary step in someone’s life. By helping the staff in the community placement provide an accessible space for her, we hope to let Jacqueline know, she is welcome, and can have her needs met in the community.
Finding the Right Combination
Maureen lives in a supported living apartment, and drives her own power wheelchair using a chin joystick. Her speech is understood by some very familiar listeners, but not by others. Maureen wants more freedom to communicate with more people.
Two of our staff members worked with Maureen to first find the right communication device and then to find the tool to help her efficiently manipulate the device. Maureen is very intelligent and has a wide vocabulary. After several trials and visits with one of our augmentative communication specialists, Maureen settled on the DynoVox X, a computer based AAC device.
For years, professionals working with Maureen had her using switches to scan through choices on a device. This proved slow and frustrating to Maureen. One of our assistive technology specialists completed an access evaluation with Maureen. They explored the possibility of controlling the AAC device through her wheelchair, they experimented with different switches and finally settled on a trackball.
Being able to communicate with new people will enable Maureen to follow her dreams to volunteer in her community and participate in daily life.
