An IATP Speech-Language Pathologist submitted a referral to Makers on behalf of an IATP customer she had provided with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluation. The customer requires the use of a head-activated switch to navigate her device. Our SLP noticed that the swing-away switch mounts on both sides of the wheelchair headrest were bulky and appeared unsafe for the client’s younger children, causing a high risk of pinching fingers. The swing-away mounts also cause wear and tear on the headrest cover.
The Makers team fabricated two symmetrical mounts that clip onto the side of the headrest, including Velcro attachments to hold the switches when activated via lateral sides of the individual’s head. Both mounts were printed in under two hours. This simplified solution is safer and more convenient than wheelchair mounts she previously used.