POWERED MOBILITY FOR VERY YOUNG DISABLED CHILDREN

Abstract

Nine motor-disabled children with normal intelligence and varying degrees of disability were studied to see if competent control of a motorized wheelchair is attainable between 20 and 39 mo. of age. Each child used a conventional motorized wheelchair with adaptive seating. Parents supervised the learning at home. Eight children drove safely and independently within 1.7-12 h accumulated over a 1-7 wk period. Parents reported that this independent mobility stimulated their child''s social, emotional and intellectual behavior.