The term 'Assistive Technology' includes not just computers and peripherals like keyboards and mice, it includes other products which can be essential to comfortable use. A common term for this additional equipment is 'ergonomics', but what does that actually mean ?. Wikipedia says, 'Ergonomics is a science concerned with the ‘fit’ between people and their work. It takes account of the worker's capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker'. According to iq69.com, experts recommend a number of ergonomic solutions for workers who use desktops and laptops on a daily basis which will dramatically reduce the number of injuries quickly and cost effectively. These include an ergonomic articulating keyboard, monitor arms, footrests, copy holders, ergonomic mice, laptop holders and ergonomic chairs.

Are you sitting comfortably? Source: iq69.com

Sitting straight is apparently bad for your back, according to research . . .

Microsoft Ergonomics Guide

Ergonomics

Preventing RSI I Source: Keytools		Preventing RSI II
Workstation ergonomics I Source: Drabelson.com		Workstation ergonomics II Source: STS-Training
Humanscale Ergonomics Source: Humanscale		Evo Laptop Arm
Using a laptop in bed		Laptop Laid Back
Laptop posture pouch Supplier: Ergonomic Cafe		U-Top Laptop support Supplier: Ergonomic Cafe

Wrist rests and Gel pads

Padware Ergonomic Wrist Rest (Maxess)	Gel Palm Mouse Platform (Maxess)	(www.computer-fuer-behinderte.de)
Wasp Wrist/Arm Support (Posturite)	Gel Adjustable Wrist Rest (Osmond)	(www.computer-fuer-behinderte.de)

Furniture products and Miscellaneous support aids

Soft pen grips (Ufficio)	Laptop arm (Ufficio)	Adjustable desk (SKMPROD)
Laptop Tray for £9.99 ! Source: Ikea	Hold-IT Capable of holding a laptop . . .

Adapt Portable Lumbar Support

Finding an effective solution for a lumbar support to work in conjunction with an existing office chair can be a more complex issue than it initially seems – for it to suit the person it not only has to ‘fit’ the person it also has to ‘fit’ the chair, and chairs, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. A new product to the market place which is enjoying great success because of its ease of application/fit to People and chairs is the Adapt Portable Lumbar Support .

Image: www.ufficio.co.uk

It is an inflatable air sack which enables the user to pump up the profile to the level they need for added comfort. It is almost infinitely variable in its positioning on the backrest and therefore enables the user to find ‘The Right Spot’ for the desired support with corresponding benefits. Being slim (when deflated) and very light, it is easily transferred from chair to chair which is a boon to users who have to multi-office. Cost = £28 plus delivery and VAT For more information about this and their many other assistive products, visit www.ufficio.co.uk

Togl Organiser

Workfit in Leeds have now contracted a local carpenter to make an authorised copy. You can contact them at: Workfit Occ Physio & Ergonomics Services 5 The Courtyard 110-118 Church Street Hunslet LEEDS LS10 2JA 0113 270 5444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting0113 270 5444end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Ergonomics Suppliers

• Posturite
• Getbacksupplies
  
• Liberator
  
• Advenced Seating Design
• Ergo2Work
• Ergonomics
• Easy Ergonomics
  
• Computing Plus
• Ufficio
  
• Online Ergonomics
• Keytools
• AAC Mounts - Every conceivable mounting system. Huge selection.
• TechReady

Wheelchair Access and Movement Zones

Generally, the considerations for workstation height and width for users in wheelchairs will differ from other users. Additionally, today's motorised wheelchairs are often wider and higher than their predecessors. Generally speaking, a table for wheelchair access should be a minimum of 27" from the floor to the bottom of the table. Some wheelchairs need a full 32" clearance. The table top should not exceed 34" in height. A table can simply be raised on wooden blocks to the needed height, or a height adjustable table will allow you to raise or lower the table with a simple crank. We have found the latter to be very useful at our public access workstations. Allow ample room behind the workstation for the wheelchair to be manoeuvred in and out. Allow at least 36" between the back of the workstation table and the front of the table or wall behind the workstation. Allow at least 60" clearance between tables if someone will be seated behind the wheelchair. (Source: US website providing advice on wheelchair access).

These links may be helpful:

• Disabled user movement zones
• Ricability wheelchair list
• Accessible self serve kiosk
• DymaDesk - wheelchair accessible kiosk
• Improving computer access for disabled people
  

Wheelchair mounting systems

Suppliers Liberator Toby-Churchill Dynavox AAC Mounts TechReady Techcess

Zygo Wheelcair mounts

Pri-Liberator mounts