Wheelchair rocker
The clients mother requested a rocking device to allow her daughter to experience exciting movement.
The solution
Many layers of 18mm plywood were shaped on a band saw and bolted together using heavy threaded rod encased in clear plastic tubing. Initially the threaded rod was left long to allow width adjustment), an extra layer of plywood was needed to increase the width of the middle part of the rocker after the first test.
The wheels are retained by the threaded rod at the front and quick release spring pins at the rear after loading the wheelchair.
The frame has been painted to match the wheelchair.
Heavy duty brackets have been incorporated to allow the rocker to be hung on an existing strong swing frame in the garden. This will be a future part of this project.
Retaining straps are an option if needed especially when using on the swinging frame.
The benefit
The client is really excited when being rocked, in fact it was difficult to take it away after the first trial as they wanted to keep using it before it was finished and painted!
There may be a video of the rocker being used available on the Remap website soon.
- Skills involved:
- Issues Addresses:
- Activities Helped:
- Location:
- Solution:
Is this product available to buy
Hi David, it’s not available to buy, but if you need a similar solution then please complete our referral form: http://www.remap.org.uk/help
Hello Peter
I have been working on a similar project for an child with special needs. I am trying to determine the ideal runner radius. If you have any insight or information available, it would be very helpful. I am located in the U.S. I am also curious to know what you determined to be the most appropriate angles of cut for wheel chair entry to the rocker
Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Ross
Hello Peter, I also have a client with the same requirement.
Do you have any more details?
Warren,
Bolton, Bury & Rochdale Panel Remap
Hi Peter
This is a great solution, simple but effective, and will bring a lot of pleasure to the user I am sure.
We have a client who would like pretty much the same thing, but I have a couple of questions – Firstly can you tell me the radius of the rocker curve you settled on to get a good compromise between safety and stability? I am guessing it is about 2 metres.
Secondly does the carer find it easy to push the wheelchair onto the rockers, once the pins have been removed – is it a two person job?
Many Thanks
David Atkins
Oxfordshire Remap
Hi Janet, all our projects are tailored for the individual client. I do not have any plans, however I do have a wooden template of the banana shape. My main concern was the point of balance but it was more stable than I expected. Were abouts are you? If in the UK there may be a Remap group that are able to help. At present all groups have had to suspend their activities. Its adaptation to use as a swing has not been started yet because of the current situation. I only work for the local Remap area listed at the top of the page. Thanks for your enquiry. Peter
This looks amazing.do you have plans for this so we can make ourselves or do you make and ship??