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LIMBS, ARMS, HANDS
Click here
for more ideas and examples for positioning
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Right elbow block with strap & forearm
cuff with tray strap holding hand in place to
activate switch
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Lateral elbow block on side of tray, no strap, to
minimize chance of arm falling off side of tray and
keep arm and hand on tray |
Left elbow block with strap to eliminate large
random movements of arm |
Blocks
placed on the tray for limb positioning can be used with
OR without straps. Strapping in this
manner is applied carefully, with specific goals in
mind for improving functional upper limb skills.
It is NOT a restraint, it is a positioning aid. The
use of blocks and strapping should be under close
supervision of an occupational or physical therapist.
Strapping can be LOOSE or TIGHT and is often effective
in reducing unwanted, random, poorly controlled
movement and providing the stability required to
improve desired movement patterns. Loose
strapping can allow for enough movement to activate a
communication device or other equipment, while still
being effective in maintaining the hand / arm in close
proximity to the switch or device to be
activated. In some cases, strapping for
stabilization of a proximal joint (e.g. elbow or
shoulder) increases functional skills of distal joints
(e.g. hand or fingers) for access.
Strapping can also provide kinesthetic, sensory input
for improving awareness of movement and arm placement
for activities.
(Note: use padding under elbow or other areas if necessary
to prevent possibility of pressure areas. This setup is
used initially for limited periods to determine best
setup. Do not use the AdaptaTray with strapping
for extended periods of time. )
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Loose strap over two blocks, with
switch attached to underside of strap - activated
with elbow extension |
| ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY SWITCHES |
Small switch held securely upright in front of
student |
Large switch held in place behind elbow |
Small voice output device held at elbow |
| COMMUNICATION
DEVICES |
Large communication device securely positioned at 60
degrees in front of student |
Small communication device strapped onto block |
Small voice output device strapped securely onto
angled block in front of student |
| ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY KEYBOARDS |
Keyboards
of many shapes and sizes - expanded and mini
keyboards can be positioned at 45 and 60 degree
angles |
Front view of expanded keyboard on block at 45
degree angle |
Back view of expanded keyboard on large
12"x12" block |
| TOYS,
BOOKS, FLASH CARDS |
Flash cards attached with hook and loop directly onto block for quick
removal and repositioning |
Book held at 45 degree angle |
Sensory toy positioned securely on upright block for
exploration |
