Assistive technology for children with disabilities: Wheelchairs promote mobility

Mobility is key for overall child development. That is why children who have limited movement depend on getting the right wheelchair at an early stage to compensate for their disability and encourage participation. Manufacturers of pediatric wheelchairs are acutely aware of the important role they play in this setting. They showcased a wide variety of wheelchairs for children at REHACARE 2022.

What are the unique characteristics of the individual models? What criteria are important to children, parents, and therapists when they choose a wheelchair? What requirements must wheelchairs meet? This pertains to a wide variety of applications, individuality as it relates to functionality and design, high adaptability when it comes to growth and other factors. Wheelchairs must also create opportunities for active participation in everyday life.

In Düsseldorf, REHACARE exhibitor Ottobock introduced its Kiddo pediatric wheelchairs, which meet these criteria and grow with the child. REHACARE’s collaborative partner FiNiFuchs – a German online review platform for pediatric assistive technologies – was excited to observe a product demonstration at the trade fair. Every wheelchair comes with a custom seating and back system. The seat system is also adjustable in width, height, and depth and grows with the child. "Children receive optimal support thanks to the large variety of components and adjustment options – including clever drum brakes or seat tilting function without changing the center of gravity," says Jana Jedowski, Product Manager Mobility Solutions at Otto Bock Mobility Solutions GmbH.

Wolturnus Germany showcased its new integrated Wolturnus Kids pediatric rehabilitation line at REHACARE. It represents inclusion, participation, and early intervention and includes wheelchair models. One of them is the W5 Junior: "It is a customized rigid-frame wheelchair that is built to meet the individual needs of the child," says Marco Hessler, Sales Manager at Wolturnus Germany. The frame of the W5 Junior is firmly welded with an adjustable rear axle, which facilitates a stepless balance point allowing continual adaptations. However, the wheelchair has no moving parts if the backrest and rear axle are fully welded into place. “That makes it extremely rigid, robust, yet very lightweight. It is ideal for children who are not as physically strong because this makes it easier for them to propel the wheelchair," adds Hessler.

REHACARE visitors and FiNiFuchs were able to check out a power wheelchair made by MEYRA GmbH. Featuring a multitude of customization options, the TA iQ FWD Junior is not yet available in Germany. The small basic unit is host to a lot of electronics, has a 30-centimeter seat lift, a 40-degree seat tilt, a special control system and can be equipped with an electric back angle adjustment as an option. You can also integrate special seat shells.

The COSEAT floating module from Motion Solutions GmbH (moso) is a one-of-a-kind seating module. It can be mounted in nearly all standard power wheelchairs between the base and the seating system but is also available as a proprietary complete wheelchair made by moso. The vast array of functions of the COSEAT allows wheelchair users to experience all three dimensions of sitting. "Our floating module works in all directions and offers entirely new possibilities. One key function is pressure relief, which reduces the risk of pressure sores or ulcers and allows children to spend longer times in the wheelchair, thus promoting participation. The COSEAT simulates a natural sitting position thanks to micro and macro movements, even in a custom-made seat shell," says Klaus Gierse, Managing Director of moso.

The movements of the floating module can be activated spontaneously or called up automatically. The modes can be optimized based on therapist input. Tilting direction, angle, speed, and time intervals are freely programmable. As such, COSEAT has changed the life of eight-year-old Ben. Thanks to the anti-decubitus mode and pressure wound prevention, he can now manage a whole school day and go on vacation, to the zoo or visit the stadium with his parents. The COSEAT is equipped with a gyroscope that automatically compensates for angles and uneven terrain so that Ben’s seating unit always stay in his preferred level position. This means he can even master steep inclines with his parents without the fear of slipping out of the wheelchair. To connect at eye level or to make care processes easier, the flowing module also has a lift function.

Things might also speed up for users of active wheelchairs thanks to an innovation from NHD Neue Hilfsmittel Deutschland. NHD GmbH has developed a motor that can be attached to the wheelchair in no time, turning the device into a power wheelchair. NHD showed FiNiFuchs how this works: A two-part frame is installed in the back of the wheelchair, the motor is added, a battery tray is attached underneath, a joystick for control is placed in front and an anti-tipping mechanism is integrated at the back. This is how your active wheelchair becomes a power wheelchair that is ready to pick up speed...