Rhea and her mom visited IATP’s demonstration center to browse assistive technology for daily activities and recreation such as adaptive gaming. While visiting to get more ideas about what would be helpful, Rhea and her mom were introduced to the Makers program. They asked the team if they could modify Rhea’s lap tray. They have received a lap tray from the same company they got Rhea’s power chair from, but unfortunately, the modifications they have on their power chair made the tray unusable. Rhea could not use her lap tray for the past year since the tray covered the power chair controls and did not have a secure way to attach it onto the wheelchair.
The Makers team took measurements of the tray, made plans for the new tray, then got to work on the modifications. The modifications included laser cutting slots and holes out of the acrylic lap tray to allow Rhea to use the controls. The Makers also replaced the clamps that did not secure to her chair with industrial strength Velcro on each armrest. Rhea can now use her lap tray as needed, at home or within her school environment to play and learn and easily access her tablet, leaving a satisfied customer. A member of Rhea’s support team was able to capture some pictures of Rhea using her lap tray at school to participate in academic activities. Rhea’s mom also commented on how she uses her lap tray at home and every day at school.
