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Modified Electric Car Project
| Challenge: |
An occupational therapist at the Stan Cassidy
Centre for Rehabilitation purchased an electric ride-on car for
use by children at the centre. Children who spend a lot of time in
wheelchairs pushed by adults don't develop the notion that they
can get themselves where they want to go. It can also be
challenging to find appropriate recreational activities for
pre-school children who have limited mobility. The OT wanted the
car modified so that children visiting the centre could operate it
safely themselves, to the extent that their abilities would allow. |
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| Solution: |
Volunteer and engineer Tom Sisk set about modifying the car.
First, the steering mechanism was locked for safety so that the
children could only drive the car straight ahead. In order to
turn, whoever accompanied the driver would have to shift the
steering mechanism manually. Tom modified the car so that it could
be driven by pressing on a remote switch with a chin, rather than
using a gas pedal, which is impossible for many children. Finally,
he added additional back and side supports to the seating.
The modified car has been a big success. The first picture shows
the first child to drive it. Dylan was very excited and took the
time to stop at every door along the hallway and look inside the
offices. His family borrowed the car for two weeks and eventually
purchased their own. Other children who drove it outdoors at the
centre used it to drive through as many potholes and puddles as
they could find!
Tom has since completed modifications to Dylan's own car. The
major modification was to extend the steering out the back of the
car. This important innovation allows whoever accompanies Dylan to
steer the car easily, while Dylan makes it start and stop. Tom
also changed the on/off switch so that Dylan can use the same
chin-operated switch he used at Stan Cassidy. The second picture
shows the adapted steering mechanism extending from the back of
the car.
Finally, all this was accomplished without hampering the ability
to revert the car to the "factory" version, if the car is traded
in for a new one. The adaptation can be completely removed in
about 15 minutes.
A third car has been modified for another child. Alex's car has
had the steering converted to electric so that eventually a set of
adaptive switches will allow steering by tilting the head or using
a second set of hand/finger switches. His car will require some
adaptive seating completed by the Stan Cassidy Centre. |
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| Volunteer: |
Tom Sisk,
P.Eng. |
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| Chapter: |
Fredericton,
New Brunswick |
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