[ez82]

Hello All,

I am a student working on designing a laptop for people in wheelchairs. I need to do research and see how people in wheelchairs feel about using laptops and regular desktop computers. I am most likely looking for people in chairs that do not remove their armrests. Even if you are not wheelchair bound but have other disabilities, please give me your input.
What I am trying to do is design a laptop that can be placed on a table or mounted on the wheelchair, which is fully adjustable to your needs. Solving issues such as comfort and posture.

Please let me know what your experience of using a computer at home or work, what kind of set up is it, what do you sit in... This is very important to me and I would really appreciate the input.

Thank you
you may also email me at eranweinberg@hotmail.com if you would like to discuss the issue further.

[Apparelyzed]

I currently use an iBook on my lap when in my wheelchair. It has a wireless internet connection to my desktop computer.

Whatever you design, it needs to have a quick release feature so it can be detatched when the person transfers out of their wheelchair.

Welcome to the forum. Nice website by the way!

Simon.

[ez82]

Thanks for your advice. I am really more intersted in the discomforts of using the computer. If you feel any pains or discomfort. The problem is you might be used to the pains and you dont realize.

Things like, leaning forward too much, head tilt, awkward hand and wrist positions...

thanks

[Joed]

After a long computer session at my desktop, I need to recline slightly in order to reduce pain and take the pressure off. My computer chair doesn't recline, but my wheelchair does, so lately I've just been sitting in my w/c while at the computer.

The problem I have with my laptop is that it doesn't stay on my lap! I wish mine had a short, fold-down pair of 'legs' on each side that would rest on the surface that the user is sitting on. Kind of like a breakfast tray.

[James]

ez82, on Nov 3 2005, 06:12 PM, said:

Hello All,

I am a student working on designing a laptop for people in wheelchairs. I need to do research and see how people in wheelchairs feel about using laptops and regular desktop computers. I am most likely looking for people in chairs that do not remove their armrests. Even if you are not wheelchair bound but have other disabilities, please give me your input.
What I am trying to do is design a laptop that can be placed on a table or mounted on the wheelchair, which is fully adjustable to your needs. Solving issues such as comfort and posture.

Please let me know what your experience of using a computer at home or work, what kind of set up is it, what do you sit in... This is very important to me and I would really appreciate the input.

Thank you
you may also email me at eranweinberg@hotmail.com if you would like to discuss the issue further.

I have to constantly support my self by using my forearms and pressing against the arm rest to hold myself up which becomes uncomfortable.

I cannot help tilt my head to look at the KB and cannot type if I do not. And correct - that is uncomfortable after a while. I was 6'3" which puts my head a bit above the KB thus putting the ol neck in a bind.

Wrist positioning has helped me by using a ergonomic keyboard but still becomes uncomfortable after a while..


I have a PC at my desk and a laptop in the dining room at a table. As long as I can get under whatever is supporting the PC/LT I have little abnormal trouble for a Para. I use a contoured K/B (with touch pad and mouse) on the PC with a standard laptop keyboard. I cannot place the PC/LT keyboard on my lap as they just fall off. At the present time I would not want the LT in my lap anyway as I have been typing to long in this position, resting my hands on the keyboard with my armrest on. I get uncomfortable after a short time as my forearms and elbows or constantly under pressure to support my upper body and my elbows are rubbing the arm rests every time I move to type on PC or LT. If you could alleviate that, it would help.

The device you are talking about for supporting a laptop or PC KB would have to extend the area to place a KB (LT or PC) in front of the arm rest hopefully at the same level as the desktops or at least adjustable positions for comfort. How would you support the front of the KB/PC and the rear allowing for comfort, infrequent repositioning and ability to remove at will without making it more difficult than just backing away or out from under your desk? ?

I will be watching this post for any progress in these fields.


Thanks for your concern.

[Apparelyzed]

When using my laptop on my knee, I have problems using the tracker pad, as I'm a c5/6. If you want to drag and drop an article, or drag and shoot, you need two hands which can make me unstable in my chair.

If the support for the laptop had a side attachment to support my trackerball, that would make life so much easier, as I can work the ball and buttons with one hand.

As for my desktop computer, I have that set up perfectly as you can see below.

Regards

Simon.

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[wheelie182]

Simon, YOU LUCKY F##K !!!!!!!

[RehabRhino]

Simon

Can I ask where you got the great desk? I would like something similar when my office is built early next year?

Cheers

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

I designed the desk myself, and hired a carpenter to build it for me.

It's made from High Density Fibre board, and weighs a ton!, but it's very solid, you can stand on it. I then had it painted with grey Hammerite paint. That was 6 years ago, it still looks good as new!

The desk was made in two halves, and the join is near the window handle, but you can't see the join.

I also embeded my scanner into the desk, just to the left of the computer under the shelf.

Regards

Simon.

p.s. how's the ankle?

[ez82]

Thats a nice set up Simon, thanks for the image it helps me see how you work in that space. I am just wondering from anyone who uses their laptops on their laps. If there is a mount I can design that you can attach the laptop to the wheelchair so it just snaps on and off, can easily swing out of the way, and hold the laptop firmly in place, would you consider buying one or stick to using it on your lap. This would place the laptop at a higher position so that you do not have to bend over as much.

I am noticing that most people like using their desktop computers better, I plan on designing the laptop so it can be adjustable to replicate the same layout of your desktop. As for the mouse I realize that it can be an issue, so I will definatley consider more solutions.

I am unfamiliar with the terms you are using and I would really like to know what the conditions mean, like c5/6, T10-L4, T6/7...?

[Apparelyzed]

Hi ez82,

You may find this of help: http://www.apparelyz.../paralysis.html

It helps explain the different types of paralysis.

Regards

Simon.

[wheelie182]

Quote

I am just wondering from anyone who uses their laptops on their laps. If there is a mount I can design that you can attach the laptop to the wheelchair so it just snaps on and off, can easily swing out of the way, and hold the laptop firmly in place

I think that you might find that quite difficult as everywheelchair is very different, and most don't have armrests, although most wheelchair accesseries are designed for the basic pediactric type chair, which is easy, as theres so much framework to work with,

i bought a laptop, and the only time i use it is in bed, as i feel much more comfortable at a desktop, which i had spent the money on somthing else now, like a leftimes supply of cheesestring......


mmmmmmmmm cheesestring........

[ez82]

Is amazing how the human body works. This website is great, keep up the good work.

[Apparelyzed]

I use my laptop mainly at a table when I'm outside in the sun, or in the consevatory, again at a table. I sometimes use it in bed as well, and work it whilst laying on my side.

I tend to use it at the table as I normally have a drink next to me, as well as other paperwork, so there just isn't room for all the other junk on my knee.

I personally wouldn't like the computer fixed to my chair, as when I move around the house, I want to be free of equipment. If I'm on my own, who would attach and detach the laptop and support for me when I want to empty my legbag, answer the door, make a hot drink etc?

I would not trust myself to attach the support and laptop, one slip and !@£* !

I hope the above doesn't sound too negative, but these are issues you should be aware of when designing adaptive equipment for those who may not have full finger function.

Regards

Simon.

[ez82]

These are all very good points and are giving me alot of issues to think about. My main purpose of this was because I worked with a polio patient for another project and she complained how she was never comfortable on her computer. I also sat in a wheelchair and tried to use the computer and I felt it was not so comfortable considernig I am only 5'5" so I sit too low compared to the desk. I felt that by designing a laptop that can be always accessible and feels as if you are using a desktop computer would give people in wheelchairs the upper hand especially in the work field.

Laptops are becoming more popular as they are so versatile and are just as powerful as desktops, the only problem is that laptops cause more neck flex and wrist flex, which cause carpal tunnel and bad neck/back problems. The laptop I am designing can solve the issues of any laptop user, the only reason I am targeting people in wheelchairs is because of the workspace constraints, and because the joints, neck, back, muscles...may feel greater pain when using an unergonomic laptop.

Some issues I am facing now that you guys brought up is the fact that a mount is not so convenient, also the wide range of wheelchairs make it hard to design a universal mount. I will keep you posted with any ideas I come up with. Also if any other issues come up please let me know

Thanks for your help!

[Tony Smith]

ez82, on Nov 3 2005, 07:35 PM, said:

Thanks for your advice. I am really more intersted in the discomforts of using the computer. If you feel any pains or discomfort. The problem is you might be used to the pains and you dont realize.

Things like, leaning forward too much, head tilt, awkward hand and wrist positions...

thanks

Hello my name is Tony Smith I have designed and made a laptop stand that swings out from your desktop it tilts in all directions it can also be placed to an armchair allowing you to recline and use your laptop in comfort it would not be much of a problem to adapt it to a wheel chair. The stand is not on the market I made it has a one off but could make some more if anough interest is shown.

[MikeP]

Tony Smith, on Oct 4 2007, 07:21 PM, said:

Hello my name is Tony Smith I have designed and made a laptop stand that swings out from your desktop it tilts in all directions it can also be placed to an armchair allowing you to recline and use your laptop in comfort it would not be much of a problem to adapt it to a wheel chair. The stand is not on the market I made it has a one off but could make some more if anough interest is shown.

Hello Tony.

Do you have photos of it? Can you post some?

Thanks,
Mike

[Tony Smith]

Tony Smith, on Oct 5 2007, 12:21 AM, said:

ez82, on Nov 3 2005, 07:35 PM, said:

Thanks for your advice. I am really more intersted in the discomforts of using the computer. If you feel any pains or discomfort. The problem is you might be used to the pains and you dont realize.

Things like, leaning forward too much, head tilt, awkward hand and wrist positions...

thanks

Hello my name is Tony Smith. I have designed and produced a laptop stand that swings out from your desktop. It tilts in all directions, it can also be placed to an armchair allowing you to recline and use your laptop in comfort. it would not be much of a problem to adapt it to a wheel chair. The stand is not on the market I made it has a one off but could make some more if anough interest is shown.

Hi Mike thanks for your reply I am not sure how this site works but I have tried to post a photo of the armchair stand, hope you have recieved it.
The stand swings in and out for easy access, it also is hieght adjustable, the table tilts backward, forwards and to the side. It can be placed in almost any position in front or to the side of you
I have also made a desktop vertion of the the stand which works well.
A patent has been applied for the stand and I am waiting results I don't think it would be difficult to adapt this stand to fit a wheelchair.
Best Regards Tony

This post has been edited by Tony Smith: 06 October 2007 - 05:46 PM

[MikeP]

Tony Smith, on Oct 6 2007, 01:35 PM, said:

Hi Mike thanks for your reply I am not sure how this site works but I have tried to post a photo of the armchair stand, hope you have recieved it.
The stand swings in and out for easy access, it also is hieght adjustable, the table tilts backward, forwards and to the side. It can be placed in almost any position in front or to the side of you
I have also made a desktop vertion of the the stand which works well.
A patent has been applied for the stand and I am waiting results I don't think it would be difficult to adapt this stand to fit a wheelchair.
Best Regards Tony

MMm.. no photos attached.

I'm actually thinking about for a bed. I'm not sure when my friend will get a chair, but if he had something that someone could place for him easily by his bed that would be cool.

He his newly injured and only has neck and a bit of shoulder movement.

I was hoping with a head mouse and voice recognition software we could get him online.

Just need a way for him to easily see the laptop. Which for now would mean have the screen above his head pointing down.