Alternative Workstations for Wheelchair Users

A half-day RESNA 2011 workshop with Andy Winnegar 

Wheelchair workstation design has generally presumed users work seated in a wheelchair, yet for some individuals this is not possible. After all, wheelchairs come in a variety of configurations including standing and tilting, and wheelchair users who work standing, lying on their backs, sides and stomachs also need accessible user-friendly workstations. Indeed there are an estimated 1.4 million wheelchair users in the United States and all have a need to access computers and other devices. 

This workshop is about what exists and what needs to be invented for those who use wheelchairs. Participants will help brainstorm new ideas starting with what exists today.  The workshop will conclude with elaborating on concepts that are the most promising for the future design process. 

Come if you want:

   1. An understanding of the range of technologies available for alternative workstation design;
   2. To learn about technical and functional aspects of workstation ergonomics.
   3. To identify 6 current devices intended for particular operational functions.
   4. To identify 3 new technologies not yet developed that may hold promise.

RESNA 2011 will be held in Toronto, Canada at the Sheraton Centre Toronto from June 5 through June 8, 2011. Learn more at this RESNA conference Web page.

Andrew Winnegar is a consultant with the DBTAC Southwest ADA Center a program of ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) at TIRR Memorial Hermann. He recently presented with RESNA TA on a model accommodation policy for small business at the RSA Employment Conference. He was honored as the 2007 RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineer and Assistive Technology Society of North America) Conference, Don Ross Invited Lecturer - Early Deployment of Reasonable Accommodations for State Government Workers.

Comments

[powerchair]

The New Heights Electric Elevating Manual Wheelchair, and the New Heights Electric Elevating Power Wheelchairs, available exclusively from Bromac Assistive Technology, were developed to resolve the single greatest problem encountered by all wheelchair users, which is that of being stuck at one level, and not being able to access things in a world that was designed for people who could stand.

These wheelchairs are designed as general purpose utility wheelchairs, to be used in, and for, your day to day living and transportation. With them, you can go anyplace and do anything that you can with any standard conventional wheelchair, however, these wheelchairs will also change your life. These wheelchairs are designed to easily, and temporarily elevate you, at the push of a button, from a standard seated height, to a height greater than that of a person standing, or any height in between. They will do this safely and securely, while remaining within the same size and performance constraints as any standard conventional wheelchair.

Now, for a cost that is far less than that of properly adapting your home to a conventional wheelchair, you can have a wheelchair which will completely adapt you to any home, as well as provide the same easy access to everything outside of your home as well. With these wheelchairs you can access the highest shelves in any store or kitchen cabinet, you can come up to the height of any counter or workbench and work comfortably. You can now have conversations with people at eye level instead of constantly having to look up at them, and these are only a few of the many new things the New Heights wheelchairs will enable you to do.

These wheelchairs will enable you to function independently in virtually any environment, and will give you the freedom to do what you want to do, without the need for assistance from other people.
Please feel free to send us questions or comments.
powerchair4you@yahoo.com
I am in your service

[Engineer]

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