Communication Aids (AAC) or Environmental Controls (EC) provided by Barnsley Assistive Technology Team may require attaching to a wheelchair using a mount.
A typical mount for a wheelchair consists of a part clamped to the wheelchair frame and metal poles with a bracket on the end to hold the AAC/EC device in place. Other mounts may also be provided, such as a stand placed on the floor or a table to provide access from a bed or an armchair.
Mounting a device safely for the client and others has to be carefully considered for each individual situation. Attaching to a wheelchair can affect the stability of the wheelchair. Mounting a device can present a trap hazard if it comes into contact with moving parts, such as those on a wheelchair, adjustable bed or armchair. Consideration needs to be given to those who will be detaching and reattaching the device from the mount, as the devices the team provide can be heavy and cause harm to the client or others should the device be dropped or the mount fall over.
Mounting Requests
New mounting or amendment requests should be made by contacting the team, or by discussing with the clinician or technician currently working with you. Please read the information below before making a request.
The team has the responsibility to mount specialised AAC and EC devices and will consider requests on an individual basis.
If there is other equipment an individual may use as part of their independent living, these are not the responsibility of the team to mount. Examples include:
- Mobile phones, unless they are being used as part of the specialised AAC or EC system, e.g. where the AAC/EC device is paired with and enabling access to the phone.
- Computers/tablets/laptops where their use is “primarily for educational ICT or, employment ‘access to work’ requirement” (see NHS EC service specification, exclusion criteria from p6).
- Cups/bottles/drinking aids.
Information to Provide When Making a Mounting Request
When a mounting request is made, please provide the following information:
- Name and contact details of the client and if possible their NHS number.
- Name and contact details for the person making the request if this is not the client.
- Location of the wheelchair and device for which the mount is required e.g. home address, school, other.
- Details of the wheelchair or other device to which the mount is to be attached – include make, model, size, preference or need regarding position of mount and device to be attached to the mount.
- Photographs of the wheelchair or other device to which the mounting request applies. Photographs should show, as applicable:
- the wheelchair as a whole including the base (where we may attach the mount);
- the seating;
- the wheelchair controller.
- Details of the device that the team are being requested to mount e.g. make and model of communication aid, mobile phone, tablet.
Amendments to Mounts
Equipment provided by the team is covered by a loan agreement. The current version of the loan agreement is always available on our website. Key points within the agreement that relate to device mounts and safety are:
The Trust will not be responsible for equipment that is used in conjunction with the Equipment provided and is installed by a third party and will not be responsible for any damage and/or personal injury that may occur as a result of equipment that it is not responsible for.
and
The Client will not modify or alter the Equipment in any way.
As per the loan agreement, the team and Trust accept no responsibility for any amendments made to mounting provided by the team, for example installing components to mount additional equipment.
If any individual or organisation does carry out amendments they must ensure that the mounting does not adversely affect the stability of the wheelchair or other mounting and is safe.
Should additional equipment be fitted to a mount provided by the team, no part of the mount should be altered, including the support tubes, frame clamps and receiving sockets. Any individual or organisation fitting additional equipment is responsible for ensuring that the mount they provide does not impact on the access to and safe use of the equipment provided by the team.