title: Two assistive technology devices for children: an adjustable reacher and a lunch room chair.
abstract: Two devices were modified and redesigned to further improve on previous designs and to better suit the children they were originally constructed for. The first device is a reacher that needs to be adjustable. The child originally needed a reacher that was small enough to operate. Adult reachers were shortened to fit the child. It became apparent that the reachers would need to be able to grow with the child. For that reason a reacher was developed with interchangeable center sections and control rods. This allows the reacher to grow with child in increments without the need to keep sending the reacher in for modification. The reacher also needs to pinch on a different plane then it is controlled at to simplify use for the child. The second device modified was a chair built for children in wheel chairs to allow for them to sit with their peers at a lunch table at school. The chair was totally redesigned to be more comfortable and stronger. A removable cover was added so that it can be washed. A leg rest with adjustable foot rests was added so the children's feet are well supported and they are comfortable. This chair will allow the children to sit anywhere in the cafeteria so that they may sit with their peers.
authors.affiliation: falcon@uwyo.edu
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: Steven F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Barrett
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012656:Self-Help Devices