GeckoSystems Intl. Corp. (GOSY)

[XenaLives]

How many children are deprived of the social and emotional benefits of a power wheelchair because of Wallace and MacLeod's vendetta against GeckoSystems?

Functional, independent mobility in children with disabilities has been shown to improve cognitive and perceptual skills, reduce learned helplessness, increase confidence and increase participation with their peers in everyday activities. Provision of powered mobility has resulted in significant improvements in several social components e.g., expressive behavior, cooperation, interacting with family, in the quantity of motor activities, and in the quality of interactive and symbolic play. Newer therapeutical models focus on task performance, which often requires the use of a power wheelchair for children who otherwise can not perform their daily routine with similar efficiency to their non-disabled peers.

Manual wheelchairs do not provide adequate efficiency for children with fatigue, compromised respiratory capacity, limited coordination, or strength. A child’s ability to drive a motorized wheelchair is not related to chronological age; rather, it is related to cognitive readiness. Age appropriate supervision is natural and may be required for safety and to enhance learning.

Not everyone who is incapable of walking or propelling a manual wheelchair effectively is a candidate for PM. Motivation, understanding of basic cause and effect, spatial relationships and problem solving concepts, attention, and physical ability to activate the access method consistently and purposefully are required to successfully operate a power wheelchair.

It is RESNA’s position that age, limited vision or cognition, behavioral issues, the ability to walk or propel a manual wheelchair short distances should not, in and of themselves, be used as discriminatory factors against PM for children. RESNA recommends early utilization of Powered Mobility for the appropriate candidates as medically necessary, to promote psycho-social development, reduce learned helplessness, and to facilitate social and educational integration and independence.

http://permobil.com/Global/USA/FUNDING/Documents/Funding/Research%20Articles/Resna_position_pwr_wc_pediatric_users.pdf