Activity Frame

The Copper Country Intermediate School District (CCISD) requested a frame that a student with cerebral palsy could lie under and activate a variety of switches. The frame also needed a minimal amount of wiring and be portable and have switches that were easilty adjustable.

A frame was designed from PVC tubing that provided multiple electrical outlets and outlets controlled by switches. The switched controlled outlets were both timed and untimed. The switches can be attached to multiple places on the frame, allowing for the teachers to position the student in an appropriate manner to aid his therapy.

Impact

Diane Selinger is the teacher at the CCISD who requested the device. After three months of using the device, she has told us that the activity frame has worked very well for the intended student. He is able to use his arms to activate switches now, where he was limited to head switches prior to the introduction of the frame. He previously used positioners for physical therapy, and he was unable to participate in any activities while in the positioners. With the use of the frame, he is now able to use switches while using any of the positioners.

In addition to the intended uses, they also use the frame for displaying art work and as a prop for storytelling with small groups. It has the added benefit of being easy to relocate, so they have the opportunity to use it in many different settings. The variety and number of outlets on the frame is a very useful feature. It allows for quick set-up for group activities, and is invaluable for use with positioners.

Currently, the CCISD is sewing a cover for the frame, which will make it a dark environment and aid in presenting visual stimuli to the children. The activity frame is used on an almost daily basis and they haven't stopped discovering new ways to use it.

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0079969 and a Research Experience for Undergraduate supplement. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.