In Part 2 of this Mounting Assistive Technology series, we considered all the abilities and needs of the user that have to be taken into account when prescribing a mounting system.
The next step is to consider the equipment factors. These include:
- The device that needs to be mounted – “Device Considerations”
- What equipment it needs to be mounted onto and any other existing equipment – “Equipment Considerations”
Equipment Considerations – The “Device” Being Mounted
So, how does technology, whether that be dedicated speech generating devices, modified tablets or iPads, attach to mounting and support systems?
Most dedicated “made for purpose” communication devices will have a mounting plate that is already attached to the back of it or can be added as part of the device or mount kit purchase. It is this peice of hardware that allows attachment of the technology to the horizontal tube section of the mount kit.
It is very important to make sure the mount plate is consider at some time in this process, either when the SGD is being considered or at the mounting sessions. Without it, the exercise is pointless.
SDG Mount plate 
Surface Pro Holder 
SGD Mount Plate
iPads have a range of mounting plate options, usually a modified protective consumer electronic case like those from DAESSY. If the iPad case has been designed with AAC in mind, like AMDi’s iAdapter with it’s additional features like in-built speakers and protective housing design, then there are usually screw holes incorporated in the design for a mount plate, much like the dedicated speech generating devices. Sometimes, an iPad is mounted using cradles, trays and holders that have been made for the purpose or “repurposed” from manufacturers like RAM Mounts. As long as it meets the needs of the person using it, then all these methods can be appropriate.
Mounted iPad 
Mounted iPad 
The rear side of the modified case for mounting iPad, showing the adapter plate
Mounting plates have been designed so they don’t impede access to charging, switch or USB ports or cover speakers. Not all mounting plates are compatible with different mounting systems/brands so best to ask about how this can work for your tablet or device and businesses like Communicate AT can help advise you on which mounting plate you need for your device and chosen mounting system.
Not all technologies have an “off-the-shelf” mounting plate designed for them (e.g. some environmental control units) in which case it becomes very difficult to attach them securely to mounts and support systems. In some instance you may need to contact a special technology service to custom make a mounting bracket for you or make some compromises how the technology is attached e.g using 3M Dual-Lock.
When choosing a mounting system, it is important to consider the size of the device, including the dimensions and weight and check which mounting system may be appropriate for size and weight of the device.
Consider what the device screen visibility is like in different lighting environments and the position and angle of the mounting required and which mounting system can best achieve this and ensure these are tested in the different environments when possible.
Equipment Considerations – Wheelchairs
The most important consideration when mounting to a wheelchair is to ensure the safety of the user.
It is always advisable to test the stability of the wheelchair with the user in and out of the chair with the mount in position, particularly if it swings or folds to the side or the rear to ensure the chair is not likely to tip. This is not much of a consideration for heavy, power-base chairs but comes into play more when looking at light, manual chairs especially when people self-transfer in and out of their seat.
Consider whether the wheelchair and seating system are finalised or if there are likely to be changes in the future.
If this is of significance, then the following points come into consideration:
- Can any mounting system prescribed now be transferable to the new wheelchair into the future. If not (e.g. different size and shape of wheelchair frame tubing), what parts are needed for that to happen? It may only be a different clamp that is needed.
- Ensure that the mount or mounting clamp that attaches to the wheelchair doesn’t obstruct access to any moving or removable parts of the wheelchair such as brake levers, swing-away footplates, armrests, tilt or folding mechanisms.
- If the person using the mounted technology has a wheelchair tray, consider whether the mounting system needs to fit around the tray and how that may need to be worked out e.g. using offset bend tubing in the vertical pole section of the mount kit to “bend” around the tray edge.
Sometimes, if a new chair is imminent, then it might even be prudent to await prescription of the new wheelchair so that the unknowns about any mounting system required can be finalised accurately too.
Mounting clamps should never be attached to any removable wheelchair parts as these are not as sturdy as the wheelchair frame and won’t be able to withstand the weight of the mount and device. Where possible, ensure that the device and mount stay within the footprint of the wheelchair (width, length, height) to ensure the safety of the user and the equipment.
If the wheelchair has a tilt-in-space function, a mount with a lockable frame clamp should always be used to ensure that the mount and device remained securely in place. It is advisable to attach a frame clamp to the tilting part of the wheelchair (usually the seat base) so the user can access the device in tilt if required. This may require customisation of a mount bracket.
Not all mounting systems are suitable for manual wheelchairs, particularly paediatric manual wheelchairs. A swing away mount should be considered carefully on paediatric manual wheelchairs due to the likelihood of the chair tipping. A thorough risk assessment is also advised if an eye gaze system needs to be mounted on a paediatric manual wheelchair. An alternate mounting system such as a floor mount or desk mount may need to considered if the stability of the wheelchair is compromised.
Consider whether the mounting system needs to move between a manual wheelchair and powered wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a desk or bed. Consider all environments where a device needs to be used to ensure the mounting systems are compatible and the best position for the user can be achieved in all environments.
Hopefully these series of articles have helped you to understand the important considerations when prescribing a mounting system. If you need help, please contact Communicate AT who are always able to offer advice and support, or maybe point you in the direction of a specialist AT service for further assistance.