New Advancements in Non-Joystick Controls for Power Wheelchairs

Date: Thursday, May 20th, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST

Cost: Free

Speaker: Stephan Lautzenhiser

Target Audience: ATP’s, Clinic Directors, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, also any rehab professional involved with complex power wheelchairs and alternative control systems.

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Magitek will present the latest advancement in its proven tilt sensor technology by demonstrating our new wireless system, Universal Sensor Array (USA). Our completely redesigned, low profile USA for knee/body member inputs allows easy, natural control. It is designed primarily for ALS clients and has a multitude of applications. This knee and/or lower extremity system is designed to provide virtually unlimited choices when easily connected to a matrix of available switch inputs.

Participants will learn: 

• Benefits and applications of tilt sensor technology. Although primarily used as a human interface head control, it has been successfully adapted wherever a predictable x-y planar movement is presented. This is known commercially as the iZIP.
• Applications for the iZIP II, which provides rehab specialists choices for switch placement not available on any other non-joystick controls.
• Application of the Universal Sensor Array (USA) for controlling a power chair using just the knee(s) or lower extremity as a means of directional input signals.

Stephan Lautzenhiser became Co-Founding Member of Magitek, LLC following an early career in industrial engineering, specializing in PLC machine controls. Stephan joined his father in Ontario, Canada designing and manufacturing lightweight power wheelchairs. The initial designs focused on geriatric use which was quickly followed by one of the first lightweight, folding power wheelchairs specifically for pediatric applications. Truly innovative and commercially known as the Starlight Series.

In 1999, Stephan helped start up Magitek, formed for the purpose of designing innovative, non-joystick controls for power wheelchairs. The tilt sensor design was awarded Best New Product at Medtrade 2000 in Orlando, FL, out of over 200 entrants. He has presented at many conferences, in services and trade shows for nearly 20 years. Stephan has been extensively involved with client evaluations and assisting prescribing clinicians.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.