Mounts

Communication aids or Electronic Assistive technology devices provided by the Lincoln Electronic Assistive Technology Service team may require attaching to a wheelchair using a mount.

A typical mount for a wheelchair consists of a part clamped to the wheelchair frame and metal poles with a bracket on the end to hold the AAC/EC device in place. Other mounts may also be provided, such as a stand placed on the floor or a table to provide access from a bed or an armchair.

Mounting a device safely for the client and others has to be carefully considered for each individual situation. Attaching to a wheelchair can affect the stability of the wheelchair. Mounting a device can present a trap hazard if it comes into contact with moving parts, such as those on a wheelchair, adjustable bed or armchair. Consideration needs to be given to those who will be detaching and reattaching the device from the mount, as the devices the team provide can be heavy and cause harm to the client or others should the device be dropped or the mount fall over.

Mounting Safety

As the devices and mounts can be heavy, safety is the top priority when using them. Please find below a copy of the important safety information to keep in mind at all times when working or living with a mounting system.

Wheelchair Mounting Safety Information (Link)

Eligibility

Where a person is eligible for the AAC or EC services and uses a wheelchair they are also eligible to have the device mounted. However, each mount requires a risk assessment which considers, amongst other factors, the weight of the device; the size of the chair; risks in the environment etc. If the mount would be considered to be too significant a risk to the person then the EAT Service will not be able to provide a mount.

Systems Provided

We work with a number of suppliers to make sure the correct mount is chosen for the combination of chair and device.

Please note that where someone has a number of different wheelchairs, we are only able to provide mounts to two chairs. This could also be a rolling floor mount e.g. 1 wheelchair mount and a rolling floor mount; 2 wheelchair mounts.

Referrals

New mounting or amendment requests should be made by contacting the team or by discussing with the clinician or technician currently working with you. Please read the information below before making a request.

The team has the responsibility to mount specialised AAC and EC devices and will consider requests on an individual basis.

If there is other equipment an individual may use as part of their independent living, these are not the responsibility of the team to mount. Examples include:

• Mobile phones, unless they are being used as part of the specialised AAC or EC system, e.g. where the AAC/EC device is paired with and enabling access to the phone.
• Computers/tablets/laptops where their use is “primarily for educational ICT or, employment ‘access to work’ requirement” (see NHS EC service specification, exclusion criteria from p6).
• Cups/bottles/drinking aids.

Information to Provide When Making a Mounting Request

When a mounting request is made, please provide the following information:

• Name and contact details of the client and if possible their NHS number.
• Name and contact details for the person making the request if this is not the client.
• Location of the wheelchair and device for which the mount is required e.g. home address, school, other.
• Details of the wheelchair or other device to which the mount is to be attached – include make, model, size, preference or need regarding position of mount and device to be attached to the mount.
• Details of the device that the team are being requested to mount e.g. make and model of communication aid, mobile phone, tablet.
• Photographs of the wheelchair or other device to which the mounting request applies. Photographs should show, as applicable:
  • The wheelchair as a whole including the base (where we may attach the mount);
  • The seating;
  • The wheelchair controller.

Should additional equipment be fitted to a mount provided by the team, no part of the mount should be altered, including the support tubes, frame clamps and receiving sockets. Any individual or organisation fitting additional equipment is responsible for ensuring that the mount they provide does not impact on the access to and safe use of the equipment provided by the team.”

Please find below our updated mounting request form available to download - this is required for all mounting requests.  

In order to safely and successfully mount AAC or EC devices for patients, we require the information in the form to ensure the whole process (from preparation of the mounting to final installation) runs as efficiently as possible.  

We welcome any feedback you may have on this process at eats.lincoln@nhs.net

If you would like to request a mounting, please fill out the form below and return it to eats.lincoln@nhs.net with the initials of the patient in the subject of the referral:

Mounting Information Referral Form